Christ makes a difference in the marriage of Christians. A mutuality prevails that restores the Edenic ideal. Despite the high biblical ideals for marriage and the divine power that is available to enable marital commitment to endure, some individuals will not survive in marriage . Despite the heartbreak, loss, disruption and long term consequences of divorce, within the context of redemption divorce and marriage to another that may follow are not viewed as unpardonable sins beyond which there is no spiritual life and fellowship. While marriage is God's general plan, singleness is within the divine design as well .
Friendship is a source of intimacy and of experiencing family.
Sexuality serves a unitive function in marriage which is distinguishable from the procreative function. God's covenant love with His people is the basic principle of family life . In God's covenant we experience love, forgiveness, commitment, acceptance, intimacy, and even sacrifice, that our deepest needs might be met. As we reflect the gospel in our families, our relationships with each other are fashioned after the likeness of the divine relationship with humanity. Christian family members are called to love, to serve one another, and to forgive just as He loves, serves and forgives us.