Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #5 — Marital Expectations

Picture: Counsel #5 — MARITAL EXPECTATIONS CR 76.1

What are your expectations about marriage? What influenced you to hold those expectations? CR 76.2

Many people’s expectations and ideas about marriage have been profoundly influenced by their friends, family, and even the media they consume: books, movies, shows, music, social media. Sometimes people marry someone they’re physically attracted to, or someone who has perceived wealth or status, but with whom they have virtually no compatibility or shared interests, including God. And when He’s not consulted, He’s certainly not at the center of that relationship. CR 76.3

Our expectations for marriage may counter the biblical description of the ideal marriage relationship. God’s ideal for marriage is a life-long commitment of a man and woman to love, support, and serve one another, sharing life’s burdens and joys.^[73]  CR 76.4

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.” Proverbs 18:22 NKJV CR 76.5

“The family tie is the closest, the most tender and sacred, of any on earth. It was designed to be a blessing to mankind. And it is a blessing wherever the marriage covenant is entered into intelligently, in the fear of God, and with due consideration for its responsibilities.” Ellen G. White in The Ministry of Healing, pp. 356, 357 CR 76.6

Reflect: Have you considered which of your marriage expectations are based on biblical principle and which are based on media, culture, or your parental home? CR 76.7