The bible has a lot to say regarding family issues and is rich in information regarding godly family living. For the sake of simplicity this page has been organized into the following categories in this order:

Marriage
The Husband & Wife Relationship
Parental Responsibilities
Children

And please remember: Always test the teachings.

MARRIAGE

MARRIAGE:
It is not a sin to marry (1 Corinthians 7:2, 8-9, 25-28, 36). Those who forbid marriage have fallen away from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1-3). According to the Bible, marriage is to be between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:22-24, 1 Timothy 3:2,12, 1 Timothy 5:9, Titus 1:6). There are no examples of valid, homosexual marriages in the Bible. Marriage is an arrangement originated by God, as the man and the woman are each one half of the "whole" (Genesis 2:18, 21-24). God decreed that marriage be a permanent, unbroken bond between the husband and wife (Genesis 2:24) until one of them dies (Romans 7:2-3, 1 Corinthians 7:39). A husband, or a wife, is not to be depriving a spouse of sexual intimacy for lengths of time without mutual consent (1 Corinthians 7:3-5). As for the receiving of sexual intimacy, a man is supposed to love his wife and a wife is supposed to have deep respect for her husband (Ephesians 5:33). Therefore, neither one would coerce the other into it if the spouse were sick, injured, or simply not in the mood.

HUSBAND AND WIFE RELATIONSHIP

The husband is the head of his wife (1 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:23). He is to respect his wife and treat her with honor (Ephesians 5:25,28-33, Colossians 3:18-19, 1 Peter 3:7). This may be difficult if she is a drunk, an addict, or an otherwise difficult person to deal with; however, these situations don't absolve him from treating her respectfully. A man is to rejoice in the wife he chose and not chase after other women (Proverbs 5:15-23). Those who reach out for special positions in the congregation must have monogamous marriages (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:6). Husbands are supposed to be the spiritual heads of their families (1 Corinthians 14:35, Ephesians 6:4).

Wives were given a strong need for their husbands (Genesis 3:16). The wife is in subjection to her husband, even in the face of religious differences (Romans 7:2, 1 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:22,24, Colossians 3:18, 1 Peter 3:1). She is to have respect for her husband (Ephesians 5:33). Women are to love their husbands and subject themselves to them (Titus 2:4-5). This may be difficult if he is a drunk or addict or difficult person to deal with, but this doesn't absolve her from being respectful towards him. A capable wife is a crown to her husband (Proverbs 12:4). Although wives are in subjection to their husbands, it is fine for them to run a business venture and own land (Proverbs 31:10,14,16,18,24). Although husbands are the spiritual head of the family, the wives can also take part in the spirituality of the household as well (2 Timothy 1:5).

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Fathers are to provide for their families' spiritual needs (Ephesians 6:4). This does not specify just married fathers, therefore it goes for all fathers. Mothers also participate in the spiritual health of the home (1 Timothy 5:4, 2 Timothy 1:5). Fathers aren't supposed to be so severe so that the children feel discouraged (Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21). Mothers are to love their children (Titus 2:4). Both parents are to provide for their families to the best of their abilities (2 Corinthians 12:14, 1 Timothy 5:8).

CHILDREN

Children are to be obedient to their parents (Proverbs 1:8, Proverbs 6:20, Ephesians 6:1, Colossians 3:20). This isn't shown to be limited to only married parents or those who have the custody. Therefore, it shows obedience to both parents, married or not, custodial or not. Children are to respect their parents (Ephesians 6:2). This can be difficult if the parents have loose morals, but this is no excuse for disrespect. The children of a spiritually mixed marriage (a Christian with a non-Christian) are still considered holy to God due to the believing parent's faith (1 Corinthians 7:14). Adult children are to help provide for their family's needs to the best of their ability (1 Timothy 5:8).

SUMMARY

Of course, we haven't covered every sort of family situation there is on this page, for to do that would need an entire book! However, we hope we've covered a broad enough range of biblical guidance so that all of you can glean the answers you need here. And, as always, pray to God for guidance and search His Holy Word!