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The Ministry of Health and Healing
Before assuming the responsibilities involved in marriage, young
men and young women should have such an experience in practical
life as will prepare them for its duties and burdens. Early marriages
should not be encouraged. A relation as important as marriage and
so far-reaching in its results should not be entered upon hastily,
without sufficient preparation and before the mental and physical
powers are well developed.
The parties may not have worldly wealth, but they should have
the far greater blessing of health. And in most cases they should not
be far apart in age. A neglect of this rule may result in seriously
impairing the health of the younger. And often the children are
robbed of physical and mental strength. They cannot receive from
an aged parent the care and companionship that their young lives
demand, and they may be deprived by death of the father or the
mother at the very time when love and guidance are most needed.
Only in Christ can a marriage alliance be safely formed. Human
love should draw its closest bonds from divine love. Only where
Christ reigns can there be deep, true, unselfish affection.
Love Is a Principle
Love is a precious gift that we receive from Jesus. Pure and holy
affection is not a feeling but a principle. Those who are actuated
by true love are neither unreasonable nor blind. Taught by the Holy
Spirit, they love God supremely and their neighbor as themselves.
Let those who are contemplating marriage weigh every sentiment
and watch every development of character in the one with whom
they think to unite their life destiny. Let every step toward a marriage
alliance be characterized by modesty, simplicity, sincerity, and an
earnest purpose to please and honor God. Marriage affects the life
of the couple both in this world and in the world to come. A sincere
Christian will make no plans that God cannot approve.
If you are blessed with God-fearing parents, seek counsel of
them. Open to them your hopes and plans, learn the lessons that
their life experiences have taught, and you will be saved many a
heartache. Above all, make Christ your counselor. Study His Word
with prayer.