God’s love illustrated
In the Garden of Eden, God established the first family. After creating Adam, He said: “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner” (Genesis 2:18). Beginning with a rib from Adam, God formed Eve. Then He told them: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28). Children would enhance their union and ensure the future of the human race.
Throughout history families have formed the basic unit of society. Ellen White wrote: “The family tie is the closest, the most tender and sacred, of any on earth” (The Adventist Home, p. 18). Yet throughout history Satan has attacked families—through polygamy, adultery, sibling rivalry, homosexuality, pornography. As families fracture, so do the individuals involved.
Thankfully, God’s work focuses on preserving and restoring families. The Bible provides numerous examples of God’s restorative power, such as the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) and the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Furthermore, God uses family relationships as symbols of His relationship with us. Jesus repeatedly referred to God as “Our Father” and Himself as “the Bridegroom.”
He wanted to communicate that God, like a good father, feels forever connected to us and desires to bless and save us. And Jesus, like a loving husband, treats us with forgiveness and devotion. The book of Hosea ends with the words of the Lord to His people: “I will take you for my wife forever; I will take you for my wife in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love, and in mercy” (Hosea 2:19).
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