Lesson 49

Newlyweds hope that the happiness they felt on their wedding day will last forever. And it can. Christians who have been married a long time and who have worked hard to apply the Bible’s advice know that this is possible.

Jehovah has appointed the husband as the head of the family.

Read Ephesians 5.23: because a husband is head of his wife just as the Christ is head of the congregation, he being a savior of this body.

Jehovah expects him to make decisions that will benefit the family. The Bible advises husbands: “Continue loving your wives.” (Ephesians 5:25)

What does that mean? A loving husband treats his wife kindly, both at home and in public. He protects her from harm and does his best to care for her physical and emotional needs. (1 Timothy 5:8)

Most important, he takes the lead in caring for her spiritual needs. (Matthew 4:4)

For example, he can pray and read the Bible with his wife. When a husband lovingly cares for his wife, he maintains his friendship with Jehovah.

Read 1 Peter 3.7: You husbands, in the same way, continue dwelling with them according to knowledge. Assign them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one, since they are also heirs with you of the undeserved favor of life, in order for your prayers not to be hindered.

God’s Word says that a wife “should have deep respect for her husband.” (Ephesians 5:33)

How can she do that? She can think about her husband’s good qualities and the efforts he makes to care for her and their children. She can also show respect by supporting the decisions he makes and by speaking kindly to him and about him, even if he is not a believer.

The Bible says about married couples: “The two will be one flesh.” (Matthew 19:5)

This means they must fight against any tendency to grow apart. They do so by regularly spending time together and by openly and lovingly sharing their thoughts and feelings with each other. They do not let anything or anyone—other than Jehovah—be more important than their mate. They are especially careful not to cultivate an inappropriate relationship with anyone else.

See what Bible principles can strengthen your marriage.

The Bible says that “husbands should love their wives as their own bodies.” (Ephesians 5:28, 29)

What does that mean? Play the VIDEO, and then discuss the question that follows.

What are some ways in which a husband can show that he loves and cares for his wife?

Read Colossians 3.12: Accordingly, as God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, and patience.

Discuss this question:

How can a husband display these qualities in his marriage?

The Bible encourages a wife to respect her husband whether he serves Jehovah or not.

Read 1 Peter 3.1, 2: In the same way, you wives, be in subjection to your husbands, so that if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect.

Discuss these questions:

If you have an unbelieving husband, doubtless you want him to worship Jehovah. What do you think would be more effective—constantly preaching to him or displaying good conduct and showing a respectful attitude? Why?

Husbands and wives can make good decisions together. However, at times a wife may disagree with her husband. She may then express her thoughts calmly and respectfully, but she must recognize that Jehovah has given him the responsibility to decide what is best for the family. She should do her best to support his decision. By doing so, she contributes to a happy atmosphere at home.

Read 1 Peter 3.3-5: Do not let your adornment be external—the braiding of hair and the wearing of gold ornaments or fine clothing— but let it be the secret person of the heart in the incorruptible adornment of the quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God. For this is how the holy women of the past who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, subjecting themselves to their husbands,

Discuss this question:

How does Jehovah feel when a wife shows respect for her husband?

No marriage is perfect. Therefore, couples must work together to overcome difficulties. Play the VIDEO, and then discuss the questions that follow.

In the video, what were some signs that the couple were growing apart?

What steps did they take to strengthen their marriage?

Read 1 Corinthians 10.24: Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.

Read Colossians 3.13: Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same.

After reading each scripture, discuss this question:

How can applying this advice strengthen a marriage?

The Bible says that we should honor one another. Showing honor includes treating a person in a kind and respectful way.

Read Romans 12.10: In brotherly love have tender affection for one another. In showing honor to one another, take the lead.

Discuss these questions:

Should husbands or wives wait for their mate to honor them first? Why, or why not?

How would you explain that the Bible can help them?

A husband and wife can be happy when they love each other, respect each other, and apply Bible principles.

How can a husband contribute to a happy marriage?

How can a wife contribute to a happy marriage?

If you are married, which Bible principle could help strengthen your marriage?

Lesson completed on:

If you are married, discuss with your mate one of the articles about marriage on jw.org.

Other: Memorizing Bible scriptures is vital for blind individuals to defend the truth using the Bible, build faith, provide comfort during difficult times, and keep God’s principles firm in heart and mind.

From lesson 49, memorize Ephesians 5:28, 29: In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself, for no man ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cherishes it, just as the Christ does the congregation,

1. Learn practical suggestions that can help you enjoy life as a family.

Your Family Can Be Happy (brochure) Open explore 1 in new page

2. Watch a music video that highlights the blessings of applying God’s counsel in your marriage.

Truly in Love (4:26) Open explore 2 in new page

3. Examine what it means to submit to a husband’s headship.

“Women, Why Submit to Headship?” (The Watchtower, May 15, 2010) Open explore 3 in new page

4. How did one couple overcome serious problems—including their divorce?

We Rebuilt Our Marriage With God’s Help (5:14) Open explore 4 in new page