God created the family, with Eve as a corresponding part of Adam. Transparency was important, for we see that it was broken by sin for afterward they felt the need to "hide". Marriage points to the highest eternal purpose of God, for the picture of the church as the bride of Christ reflects this design.
Continuing in Genesis 2-3, we see "cracks" in the foundation due to the negative effects of sin.
From Joshua 24, we learn that following God and commitment are choices to be made.
From Ephesians 5, we see the differences in roles for husbands (to lead, love, and sacrifice) and wives (to follow, respect, and honor), out of reverence for Christ.
From various passages in the Bible, God provides the model for parenting - loving unconditionally, teaching wisely, offering a future, disciplining fairly and purposefully, patient, forgiving, listening, and giving generously. Using the example in Luke 2:52, parents are to guide children in Intellectual, Physical, Spiritual, and Relational growth.
From 1 Corinthians 7, there was also a message that covered the area of singleness. It is a gift and can be used in service to the Lord. But for those waiting, suggested qualities to look for in a mate are:
- Loves the Lord
- Demonstrates adaptability
- Shows empathy,
- Is a wiling problem-solver
- Knows how to love
- Is Emotionally stable
- Has compatible backgrounds
- Is an open communicator
- Understands commitment
We can know when we have met the right person through the voice of Scripture, the Holy Spirit, providence, family and many trusted/wise people. "It is out of discovering and doing God's will that your greatest purposes in life and your greatest fulfillment will come"
In God's blueprint for marriage are the following five elements:
- Monogamy
- Boundary
- Permanency
- Intimacy
- Transparency
In wrapping up the series, my Pastor taught on solving family conflict. Conflicts come from the selfish desires of our heart. In order to resolve them, there needs to be clear communication and understanding, atmosphere of acceptance and respect, team approach to family life, honest family atmosphere that honors prayer, learning atmosphere that fosters growth, and use of home as a light to others. Wise ways to resolve family conflict:
- Don't cover conflict by avoiding, denying, or diminishing it
- Deal with anger promptly and openly (focus anger on doing something positive to resolve)
- Create space for understanding and even disagreement (pray for understanding)
- Attack the problem, not the person (when you push the person, they will eventually push back)
- Stay on the subject (tackle one problem at a time)
- Don't exaggerate by using "Never" or Always"
- Don't manipulate others by playing the part of the victim
- Be humble and take responsibility for your faults (check motives)
- Forgive others as Christ forgave you
- Take all wrongs to the cross and leave them there (when you take someone off your hook, they are still on God's hook; so, leave it to Him)
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