Devotions for Couplesنموونە

Treat your parents and others in authority with respect.

All too often, brand-new married couples are unsure how to deal with their in-laws. Couples must balance two principles: leaving their parents while still honoring them. The Bible makes it clear that "a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one" (Genesis 2:24). But while a couple's allegiance shifts from their parents to each other, they are to continue to honor their parents, to value their wisdom, and to seek their best. If the admonishment to "honor your father and mother" in Exodus 20:12 is not enough for a husband to treat his wife's parents as his own - and vice versa for his bride- then the respect due to each other should be enough to carry the day. The way we treat our parents affects more than our own relationship with them. Loving your in-laws is much easier when you start with honor and respect.

Adventure Application: Is there an issue you need to discuss with your spouse about either set of your parents? Talk about how Exodus 20:12 and Genesis 2:24 speak on that issue.