The young man and the young woman who have just been married now enter upon what is for them an entirely new relationship—a blessed one indeed, if it is of the Lord. Prior to this time they have trodden life's pathway separately; now they have been united to tread it together, as "heirs together of the grace of life." They may now share all their joys and sorrows. Someone has said that this doubles the joys and halves the sorrows. However true this may be, there are definite blessings and compensations in being happily married "in the Lord." It is also true that the wife "careth... how she may please her husband," and the husband "careth... how he may please his wife." 1 Cor. 7:33, 3433But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. 34There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. (1 Corinthians 7:33‑34). This is as it should be, only each needs to be careful not to give to the other what belongs to the Lord. He is our Lord, and all we have and all we are belong to Him, and we should not let the blessings come between us and Him. We have treacherous hearts and they can make an idol out of anything. "Children, keep yourselves from idols."
1 John 5:2121Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. (1 John 5:21). It has been said that an idol is anything that displaces Christ in our affections, and that one may have an idol for a moment, a month, a year, or a lifetime.
To be lacking in loving care for each other would be deplorable; it would bear the mark of that evil condition which exists in the last days—"without natural affection." A good motto for young married people (in fact, for all married Christians) is, "each for the other, and both for the Lord.”
One cannot fully understand the beauty and affection of the marriage relationship without being in it. The depth of love that makes one forget self and seek the happiness and good of the companion the Lord has given is only known by experience. But without this unstinted and self-sacrificing love on the part of each, many joys will be unknown, or otherwise tarnished. Not that two people will always see things alike, but love is a great balm in any disagreement. It has truly been said that there should be "two bears" in every home-"bear and forbear." The very closeness of the relationship will accentuate little differences and call for the prompt application of the spirit of love and understanding.