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T H E K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S
JULY 30, 1944 LOVE, COURTSHIP, AND MARRIAGE M a r k 10:6-9; 1 C o r in t h ia n s 13:4-7 By Frieda Helen Buck Only real love offers a basis for a happy marriage, and real love is something more than physical attrac tion; it is the perfect mingling of the hopes, sentiments, and ideals of two people. This state can be possible in the fullest sense only when both par ties are Christians. “Be y e , not un equally yoked together with unbeliev ers; for what fellowship hath right eousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Cor. 6:14). This busi ness of “reforming” the non-Christian mate after marriage works very sel dom. Some feel sorry for their non- Christian friends, go too far in their friendship, and finally sacrifice them selves on the altar of sympathy rather than experience true love and the Lord’s leading. I. LOVE (1 Cor. 13:4-8). We are told that love is one of the most dynamic forces in th'e universe. It is one of the most beautiful things in "the world and we all want it, for we are created in love and for love. People fall into the very depths of despair when they feel that they are not loved. Love in marriage is a won derful picture of Christ and the church. For Those Who Have Topics
It is sad that in our day the very word “ love” has become debased. If young people will give themselves time- to mature and will choose a profession or calling before choosing a life part ner, there is substantial surety for happiness. Sometimes they get a bit impatient, but it pays to wait prayer fully. One must not feel that there are no fine Christian fellows and girls left in this world, and that he will have to be satisfied with the “second best.” This is not true. True love for someone should be controlled by God’s love. It is something very sacred. Let each resolve to keep it so. II. COURTSHIP (Prov. 3:5, 6). - True Christian courtship is entirely aboveboard and honest. Someone has said you must first win trust and ad miration before you can win love and adoration. According to the diction ary, “ Flirting is paying attentions, or inviting and accepting attentions which one does not mean.,” When two people have become engaged to be married, there will be the sharing of dreams and fondest hopes, happy planning, thoughtful consideration of the other’s wishes and feelings, and precious times in prayer together. III. MARRIAGE (Tit. 2:4-8). Marriage is the sublimest of all hu man ordinances. It originated with God, for the home was the first institu tion which God founded. Marriage should be founded on love, mutual respect, and common interests and ambitions. When this happy condi tion exists, each partner will be an in spiration to the other, and each will be better in work, vocation, or talent be cause of the other. Christian young people should ask themselves: “What shall I bring to marriage?” Faith, an understanding heart, happy, healthy mental atti tudes, compose part of the answer (name others). A fine home life is an achievement worth' planning for as carefully as we plan for any other accomplishment of importance. Conclusion The culmination of true love, court ship, and marriage is the founding of a happy home. A home is more than a place; it is an ideal, an atmosphere. It is where love lives and reigns, not where it boards or visits occasionally. A home should mean rest, comfort, mutual understanding, contentment, gaiety, and pleasant living. The world wounds us at times; let the home give us healing. The world deflates per sonality; let the home restore it. Weak ened homes mean weakened people. When the Master dwells in the home, it will be a tower of strength and"a citadel of peace, joy, and love.
1 « on the International Uniform Lessons Union Lesson Helps offer sound/ inspiring lesson expositions written by specialists (or every age group. Undenominational and uncontroversial with room only for constructive truth. Write for free specimens AMERICAN SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNION 1816 Chestnut St./ Philadelphia/ Pa.
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JOHN BROWN SCHOOLS
Announcements for 1944-5 Including Summer Sessions
JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY— Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Summer session opens June-S'; fall session September 20. Academic College, Vocational College,’1Bible College. BROWN ACADEMY— Siloam Springs, Arkansas. A ll high school grades. Summer session opens June 5; fall session September 20. BROWN MILITARY ACADEMY OF THE OZARKS— Sulphur Springs, Arkansas. Grades 1-9. Opening date September 18. * GAMP BUDDY— In the beautiful Ozarks at Sulphur Springs, Arkansas. Ideal summer program for both boys and girls with close supervision. Camp opens June 5, but children may enter at any time. ' BROWN MILITARY ACADEMY— San Diego, California. Only honor M ilitary Academy in California. Fall term opens September 18. Summer school and camp, June 12 to September 9. BROWN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS — Glendora, California. Fall term opens September 11. Camp Cielito, Jurje 19 to September 5. For further information, write individual school direct. JOHN E. BROWN, President Siloam Springs, Arkansas “ Training Youth to Live "
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