Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

Those who regard the marriage relation as one of God's sacred
ordinances, guarded by His holy precept, will be controlled by the dictates of
reason.
In the married life men and women sometimes act like undisciplined,
perverse children. The husband wants his way, and the wife wants her way,
and neither is willing to yield. Such a condition of things can bring only the
greatest unhappiness. Both husband and wife should be willing to yield his
or her way or opinion. There is no possibility of happiness while they both
persists in doing as they please.
Without mutual forbearance and love no earthly power can hold you and
your husband in the bonds of Christian unity. Your companionship in the
marriage relation should be close and tender, holy and elevated, breathing a
spiritual power into your lives, that you may be everything to each other that
God's word requires. When you reach the condition that the Lord desires you
to reach, you will find heaven below and God in your life.
Remember, my dear brother and sister, that God is love and that by His
grace you can succeed in making each other happy, as in your marriage
pledge you promised to do.
By the grace of Christ you can gain the victory over self and selfishness.
As you live His life, showing self-sacrifice at every step, constantly
revealing a stronger sympathy for those in need of help, you will gain victory
after victory. Day by day you will learn better how to conquer self and how
to strengthen your weak points of character. The Lord Jesus will be your
light, your strength, your crown of rejoicing, because you yield your will to
His will.
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