Marriage, Home, and School

Rev. Arthur J. Schoonveld
Holland, Michigan

During the month of May we’ll go back in history to the day when the Lord first instituted marriage. We’ll listen closely to God’s intentions for marriage in teaching that “a man will . . . be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24), and we’ll look at many of the effects this has on the whole family of God.

God’s gift of marriage is meant to benefit the human race and enrich our lives. To help us enjoy this gift, God has given us guidelines. When we ignore God’s guidelines, our marriages and homes suffer. That’s why today, though many couples are happy in their marriages, many others feel trapped—and sadly about one of every two couples decides to call it quits. Still others choose to move in together without the benefit of marriage.

This month’s devotions are written with the prayer that whatever our situation in life, we may all grow stronger together in unity and love as the one body of Christ.

Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.

• Download a PDF version of the May devotionals.