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The Adventist Home
Counsel to a Newly Married Couple—Marriage, a union for
life, is a symbol of the union between Christ and His church. The
spirit that Christ manifests toward His church is the spirit that the
husband and wife are to manifest toward each other. If they love God
supremely, they will love each other in the Lord, ever treating each
other courteously, drawing in even cords. In their mutual self-denial
and self-sacrifice they will be a blessing to each other....
Both of you need to be converted. Neither of you have a proper
idea of the meaning of obedience to God. Study the words, “He that is
not with Me is against Me; and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth
abroad.” I sincerely hope that you will both become true children of
God, servants to whom He can entrust responsibilities. Then peace
and confidence and faith will come to you. Yes, you may both be
happy, consistent Christians. Cultivate keenness of perception, that
you may know how to choose the good and refuse the evil. Make the
word of God your study. The Lord Jesus wants you to be saved. He
has wonderfully preserved you, my brother, that your life may be one
of usefulness. Bring all the good works possible into it.
Unless you have an earnest desire to become children of God, you
will not understand clearly how to help each other. To each other ever
be tender and thoughtful, giving up your own wishes and purposes to
make each other happy. Day by day you may make advancement in
self-knowledge. Day by day you may learn better how to strengthen
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your weak points of character. The Lord Jesus will be your light, your
strength, your crown of rejoicing, because you yield the will to His
will....
You need the subduing grace of God in your heart. Do not desire
a life of ease and inactivity. All who are connected with the Lord’s
work must be constantly on guard against selfishness. Keep your lamp
trimmed and burning. Then you will not be reckless of your words and
actions. You will both be happy if you try to please each other. Keep
the windows of the soul closed earthward and opened heavenward.
Men and women may reach a high standard, if they will but ac-
knowledge Christ as their personal Saviour. Watch and pray, making
a surrender of all to God. The knowledge that you are striving for
eternal life will strengthen and comfort you both. In thought, in word,
in action, you are to be lights in the world. Discipline yourselves in
the Lord; for He has committed to you sacred trusts, which you cannot