The human response to the broken reality is to search for happiness and meaning. Biblical traditions show both the experiences of rejoicing in blessing and of complaining against suffering. In theology the crisis of the present alongside the promise of the gospel emphasizes the transcendent goal of human life, but also provokes theodicy. Marriage and family are culturally-historically constructed institutions, and expectations about them are related to other parts of life. The Christian ideal of marriage is based on loving trust, which can be extended also to non-marriage relationships.
Love needs the commitment of a caring relationship.
The biblical witness has a sober view on work. Work, along with rest, is related to the Creator's actions. In the NT work and property are relativized by God's coming kingdom. Work and property are considered both gift-privilege and responsibility by theologians such as Aquinas, Luther, and Calvin. Contemporary thinking has emphasized the worth of human work, which makes unemployment a problem the Church needs to address.