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A Partnership that Works, September 10
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head
of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Ephesians 5:23
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The Lord has constituted the husband the head of the wife to be
her protector; he is the house-band of the family, binding the members
together, even as Christ is the head of the church and the Saviour of the
mystical body. Let every husband who claims to love God carefully
study the requirements of God in his position. Christ’s authority is
exercised in wisdom, in all kindness and gentleness; so let the husband
exercise his power and imitate the great Head of the church.
The husband should remember that much of the burden of training
his children rests upon the mother.... This should call into exercise his
tenderest feelings, and with care should he lighten her burdens. He
should encourage her to lean upon his large affections.
Neither the husband nor the wife should attempt to exercise over the
other an arbitrary control. Do not try to compel each other to yield to
your wishes. You cannot do this and retain each other’s love. Be kind,
patient, and forbearing, considerate, and courteous. By the grace of God
you can succeed in making each other happy, as in your marriage vow
you promised to do.
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.... In
their mutual self-denial and self-sacrifice they will be a blessing to each
other....
God wants the home to be the happiest place on earth, the very
symbol of the home in heaven. Bearing the marriage responsibilities
in the home, linking their interests with Jesus Christ, leaning upon His
arm and His assurance, husband and wife may share a happiness in
this union that angels of God commend. Marriage does not lessen their
usefulness, but strengthens it.
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