Practice of the Christian Life
The Christian and the family
Marriage being instituted first of all by God should be honoured [300]. God gave the man a complementary person, i.e. the woman within the couple [301].
Marriage ensures mutual support to the couple [302], increasing of mankind [303]; it is an obstacle to sexual immorality, gives sexuality its true orientation .Rejoicing in one’s husband or wife is legitimate [304].
It is a public and free commitment [305], made by mutual consent before the authorities [306]; marriage is followed by conjugal life, common and faithful [307].
When the Christian gets married, it should be in the Lord, in order to serve Him [308]. Marriage is a lawfully indissoluble covenant; only death can break the marriage covenant [309]. Nevertheless, if believers decide to part, each of them must remain alone or be reconciled to each other [310]. However, the believer falling victim to marital unfaithfulness [311] or being left is not bound; he or she is free to marry again [312].
The couple is the image of the relationship of Christ to His church. The husband loves his wife as his own body, exercises authority, takes care of his wife and keeps her [313]. In the same way, the woman was given as a help to her husband [314]; she loves him, respects him and is submitted to him [315].
The problems linked with the couple’s life must be solved on the basis of biblical principles [316], having in mind grace, compassion and mutual forgiveness [317]. The couple can find help by turning to the members of the church [318].
Upbringing children is first of all the responsibility of the parents. The children must be taught in the way of the Lord [319], parents should endeavour to be loving and faithful Christians [320]. Correcting the children is legitimate for them to be gently imparted with wisdom according to righteousness [321].