The Harmony of the Spouses
The Harmony of the Spouses
In the past issues, we spoke about the importance of harmony, about the age of marriage, and the difference in age between the spouses. Today we continue our discussion about this harmony…
The Harmony of the Spouses
There should be religious and spiritual harmony between the spouses.
Both must be Orthodox Christians, sound in doctrine and faith, having a spiritual life connected to the Church.
At times, the two are not of one denomination, and the other party joins Orthodoxy in a formal, outward manner in order to complete the marriage. Yet his doctrine remains in his heart as it was before this outward joining! And this denominational difference remains, and it has its practical effects…
Likewise, there should be harmony in thought, in principles, in traditions, and in manner of life…
For how can the two be united in one life if this harmony does not exist?! And how can the two walk together in society, and even within the circle of the family, if each has his own way and his own method?!
The Difference between the spouses has its effect upon the children.
The child then chooses which path to follow, and by which ideal to be guided, while before him are contradictions in the life of his parents. Indeed, the difference between the parents in approach creates a difference in their method of raising the children.
There should also be harmony in temperament…
For how can one who is very serious live with one who is very cheerful?!
Or how can a person who is extremely meticulous live with another who is exceedingly lenient, tolerant, and careless?!
And how can they live if one tends toward great quietness, and the other tends toward amusement, noise, and much talking?!
How shall we fulfill the Lord’s saying: “The two shall not be two but one”?
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