Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #1 — Successful Marriage

Picture: Counsel #1 — Successful Marriage CR 135.1

Few couples are miserable on their wedding day! Sadly however, they often experience a decrease in marital happiness after the wedding—sometimes quite quickly. A large portion of marriages in the United States (and many other countries) end in divorce. And in the marriages that do survive, there is no guarantee that happiness survives as well. CR 135.2

Nevertheless, many people naturally still long for a marriage where mutual love, support, and affection reign. How can a couple build such a marriage?^[69] Does the Bible offer help to strengthen good marriages and repair bad ones? CR 135.3

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24 NKJV CR 135.4

“Though difficulties, perplexities, and discouragements may arise, let neither husband nor wife harbor the thought that their union is a mistake or a disappointment. Determine to be all that it is possible to be to each other. Continue the early attentions. In every way encourage each other in fighting the battles of life.” Ellen White in The Ministry of Healing, p. 360 CR 135.5

Reflect: Why do you think such a large percentage of marriages are unhappy? CR 135.6