How to keep a happy courtship

"By wisdom a house is built, and with discernment is firmly established." (PRO 24:.. 3)

1. How did God show wisdom in the case of the first man?

OUR wise heavenly Father knows what is good for us. For example, he knew that his purpose was fulfilled "[was] not good that man [continue] only" in the garden of Eden. A key element of that purpose was for married couples to have children and fill the earth (Gen. 1:28;. 2:18).

2. What Jehovah institution created for the benefit of mankind?

2 "I will make a helper as a complement to him," Lord said. Then made the first man, Adam, fell into a deep sleep, and from his perfect body took a rib from which he created a perfect woman, Eve. When Jehovah took it to the man, he said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. This will be called Woman, because the man was taken. " Eva really complemented Adam, because, even though both had been created perfect, in the image of God, each had different characteristics and qualities of the other. As we have seen, was the Lord who instituted marriage. And Adam and Eve had no trouble accepting this divine institution through which receive support from each other (Genesis 1:27; 2: 21-23.).

3. How many people see the gift of marriage, and what questions arise?

3 Unfortunately, in today's world reigns rebellious attitude, which generagraves problems. Of course, this is not God's fault. Many people reject with scorn the gift of marriage, which they consider outdated, a source of frustration and disagreement. And many who do marry end up divorced. There are many parents who do not give affection to their children. Others use them to chantajearse when they fight. Spouses are unwilling to give up, even to have a little peace and harmony (2 Tim. 3: 3). Given that we live in difficult times, what can Christians do to remain happy marriages? Why are essential flexibility, and submission to God to prevent breakage? What can we learn from those who have spent many years happily married?

Submit ourselves to Jehovah's standards

4. a) What instructions did Paul give regarding marriage? b) What proceed obedient Christians follow?

4 For inspiration, the Christian apostle Paul commanded that widows who remarry would do so "only in the Lord" (1 Cor. 7:39). This was not a new concept for Christians who had belonged to Judaism. Jehovah gave the Law to Israel clearly stipulated that they should "form no marriage alliance" with the people of neighboring nations, which were pagan. Jehovah warned of the danger if they disobeyed this divine rule: "For [which is not an Israelite] will turn your son from following me, and they will certainly serve other gods; and Jehovah's anger will indeed blaze against you, and he will certainly annihilate you in a hurry "(Deut. 7: 3, 4). What does God expect of his servants in modern times? Plain and simple, they marry only with those who are "in the Lord", that is, with dedicated and baptized Christians. Submit to God's standards in this regard is the sensible proceed.

5. How do you regard the marriage vows both Jehovah as married Christians?

May God considers sacred marriage vows. After referring to the first marriage, the Son of God, Jesus said: "What God has yoked together, no man not separate" (Matt. 19: 6). The psalmist reminds us of the importance of fulfilling the vows: "Offer thanksgiving as your sacrifice to God, and pay your vows to the Most High" (Psalm 50:14.). A newlyweds surely await them many joys, but they should not forget that the vows exchanged wedding day are a serious matter that carries great responsibility (Deut. 23:21).

6. What can we learn from the example of Jephthah?

6 Consider the case of Jephthah, who served as judge in Israel in the twelfth century BC. Jephthah you made this vow to Jehovah: "If you without fail give the Ammonites into my hand, then it has to happen that whoever comes out, comes out of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace the Ammonites, must become Jehovah then, and I have to offer that as a burnt offering. " What Jephthah made to get to his home in Mizpah and see who came to greet him was his only daughter? Did you look for the way to get rid of their commitment? Quite the opposite. He said: "I have opened my mouth to the Lord, and I can not turn back" (Judges 11:30, 31, 35.). He kept his promise even though that would mean running out to keep alive his descendants name. It is true that the vow of Jephthah was different from the marriage vows. However, the fact that he fulfilled exemplary Christian couples.

What is required to have a happy marriage?

7. What changes have to make the newlyweds?

7 Many couples retain fond memories of their courtship. How exciting was going better know one day! The more time they spent together, the more affection had. However, the reality is that when a couple finally married, have to make changes. And if the marriage has been arranged by the parents, there is certainly also do. A Christian recognizes the following about the early days of their marriage: "What cost us more work was initially understood that we were no longer single. It took time to put friends and family in their rightful place. " Another husband, who has thirty years married, soon realized it had to be reasonable and "think plural." Until today, before accepting an invitation or commitment to do something, consults with his wife and takes into account their feelings. On these occasions it is appropriate that the spouses are willing to give (Pro. 13:10).

8, 9. a) Why is it so important to open communication? b) What aspects required to be flexible, and why?

8 Sometimes marriage unites two people from different backgrounds and cultures. It is especially in those cases when there should be open communication. Recall that the ways of communicating vary. So, to better understand your spouse, notice how speaks to their own relatives. Often, revealing the inside of a person is not what he says, but how it does. And much can also be learned from what is not said (Pro 16:24; Col. 4: 6.). Discernment is essential for happiness (read Proverbs 24: 3).

9 Many marriages have discovered how important it is to be flexible in choosing hobbies and recreational activities. Perhaps one of the two was very fond of sports or other entertainment when he was single. Should we not now make any changes? (1 Tim. 4: 8.) And the same might ask the time spent with relatives. Remember that married couples need time together for spiritual and other activities (Matt. 6:33).

10. How does flexible to good relations between parents and their married children attitude?

10 When a man marries, he leaves his father and his mother, and the same can be said of women (read Genesis 2:24). Still, the divine commandment to honor father and mother no longer valid after the children marry. Therefore, it is likely that the couple continue spending time with one's family and another. A Christian who brings twenty five years of marriage observes: "Sometimes it is not easy to reconcile the desires and needs of the spouse with the parents and siblings of both. The deGénesis 2:24 text has been very helpful in deciding what to do. I know there are obligations to meet the family and that they owe allegiance, but this verse has taught me that my wife is first. " Meanwhile, Christian parents who can give recognize that their married children have formed their own family and that is the main culprit is the husband.

11, 12. Why is it important for couples to study and pray together?

11 It is essential that Christian families regularly study together, and the case of many of them proves it. Now, it may not be easy to establish a family study and carry it out every week. A husband acknowledges: "If we could go back and change something, would set a study schedule since the beginning of our marriage and we would strive to fulfill it." He adds: "It's wonderful to see the excitement he feels my wife when we study together and find some spiritual gem".

12 Praying together is also important (Rom. 12:12). A close relationship with Jehovah strengthens the bonds of spouses who worship together (Jas. 4: 8). A Christian states: "When an error that annoys the other is committed, it is good to apologize immediately and mention it when we pray as a couple, however slight error appears. This is a way of showing sincere regret "(Eph. 6:18).

We are willing to give in marriage

13. What advice did Paul give on intimate relations in marriage?

13 We live in a world obsessed with sex in which the degrading practices are common. Christian couples should avoid such practices in their intimate relationships. On the other hand, Paul counseled: "Let the husband render to his wife what is his due; but let the wife also do likewise to her husband. The wife does not exercise authority over his own body, but her husband; likewise, also, the husband does not exercise authority over his own body, but his wife. " Then the apostle went on to give these clear instructions: "No it deprive one another, unless by agreement for an appointed time, to devote time to prayer." But he added: "Come back to join, not to follow Satan tempting them for their lack of regulation" (1 Cor. 7: 3-5). In mentioning prayer, Paul intimated what should be the priorities of the Christian. But he also made clear that married Christians should consider the physical and emotional needs of your spouse.

14. What biblical principles govern the intimate relations in marriage?

14 Both husband and wife must speak frankly and understand that when there is no tenderness in intimate relationships often arise problems (read Philippians 2: 3, 4; cf. Matthew 7:12). This has happened in some households where one of the two does not serve Jehovah. Even if there are disagreements, the Christian spouse can improve the situation with good behavior, his kind treatment and their willingness to cooperate (léase1 Peter 3: 1, 2). Love the Lord and spouse, along with a flexible attitude will help greatly in this respect marriage.

15. How does respect the marriage to be happy?

15 There are other areas in which the husband considered also treats his wife with respect. For example, take their feelings into account, even in minor matters. However, a Christian who has been married forty-seven years admits: "This is something I can still improve." A Christian wives are encouraged to have deep respect for her husband (Eph. 5:33). If a wife speaks ill of her husband or expose his faults in public, it could hardly be said that it is respected. Proverbs 14: 1nos recalls: "The truly wise woman has built up her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands."

We do not yield to the Devil

16. How can married to implement the counsel of Ephesians 4:26, 27?

16 "Be angry, and yet do not sin; the sun not set with you in a provoked state, neither allow place for the Devil being. "(Eph. 4:26, 27.) When this advice into practice, helps to solve or even to avoid marital conflicts. "I do not remember a single occasion when my husband and I have had a problem and we have not spoken, although we have taken hours to fix," says a sister. At the beginning of their marriage, both were determined not to let the day end without having resolved their differences. "We decided that, no matter what were, forgive ourselves and foget continues: the sister. Each morning we did clean slate. "This way they avoided leaving" place for the Devil ".

17. What will help spouses even if they seem incompatible?

17 What if a Christian believes that not made the best decision when choosing your spouse? You may feel that their relationship no longer exists affection sees other couples. Still, it is useful to recall the point of view of God on the marriage bond. Under inspiration, Paul admonished Christians: "Let marriage be honorable among all, and the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge fornicators and adulterers" (Heb. 13: 4). And we must not forget these words: "A threefold cord can not be torn in two" (Ecclesiastes 4:12.). If the husband and wife think first of the sanctification of God's name will remain united with him and each other. Both should strive to have a happy marriage, for that honor the Lord, the founder of this institution (1 Pet. 3:11).

18. How can we be sure regarding marriage?

18 In short, Christian marriages can be happy. True, they must strive to manifest Christian qualities such as willingness to compromise. But in the congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses around the world there are countless married couples who prove that it is possible to achieve.

What answer?

• Why do we say that it is possible to have a happy marriage?

• What will help couples to be happy?

• What qualities should cultivate married?

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Married do well to consult before accepting an invitation or commitment to do something

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Strive to settle disagreements the same day and not "allow place for the Devil"