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Counseling and Redemption in Marriage Relationships

Counseling and redemption play significant roles in Christian perspectives on marriage, addressing both the challenges that arise within relationships and the theological framework for their restoration. The concept of redemption, at its core, involves the "purchase back of something that had been lost, by the payment of a ransom" [1]. This idea is frequently applied to humanity's relationship with God, where Christ's sacrifice is understood as the ransom paid for sin [1, 11]. However, the principle of redemption also extends to human relationships, including marriage, where it can signify restoration from brokenness.

In the Old Testament, the term lutron (ransom) is used in contexts of human-to-human redemption, such as freeing a bond-servant or paying a price to avoid punishment [1, 6, 12]. This concept of a kinsman-redeemer is notably illustrated in the book of Ruth, where Boaz redeems land and marries Ruth, the widow of the former owner, thereby restoring her lineage and security [8]. This historical and legal framework provides a backdrop for understanding how redemption can apply to the restoration of marital relationships.

The New Testament further develops the concept of redemption, particularly in relation to Christ's work. For instance, Ephesians 1:7 speaks of "our redemption" through Christ's blood, which is understood as deliverance from the power, guilt, and penal consequences of sin [11]. This theological redemption has implications for marriage, as new life in Christ is seen as enabling the restoration of marital relationships that have been affected by sin and antagonism [10]. The fall, as described in Genesis 3:16, introduced an element of control and struggle into the marriage relationship, but passages like Ephesians 5:18-32 suggest a path toward restoration through Christ [10].

Counseling, derived from the biblical emphasis on wisdom and guidance, is presented as a means to preserve and strengthen relationships. Proverbs highlights the value of counsel, stating that "counsel shall preserve thee, and understanding shall keep thee" [3]. It also notes that "the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel" can rejoice the heart [2]. Wisdom and counsel are personified in Proverbs 8:14, where wisdom declares, "I have counsel and wisdom: I am understanding, and I have strength" [5]. The name Malluch, meaning "reigning; counseling," further underscores the ancient recognition of counsel's importance [4].

In the context of marriage, counseling can address various issues. For example, the Apostle Paul, in 1 Timothy 5:14, advises younger widows to marry, suggesting that remarriage can be an antidote to idleness and temptation, thereby offering a form of practical counsel for their well-being and the avoidance of sin [7]. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 7:11, Paul counsels a wife who has separated from her husband to "be reconciled," emphasizing the importance of appeasing displeasure and recovering goodwill [13]. This highlights the role of counsel in guiding individuals toward reconciliation and the preservation of marital bonds.

The New Testament also addresses challenging situations like divorce. While Jesus taught against divorce, allowing an exception for "fornication" (Matthew 19:3-12), the emphasis remains on the sanctity of marriage and the pursuit of reconciliation where possible [9, 13]. The duties of husbands and wives, including love, forbearance, and mutual subjection, are also subjects of biblical counsel, as seen in 1 Peter 3 [14]. These passages collectively suggest that counseling, grounded in biblical principles, can guide couples through difficulties, aiming for the redemption and restoration of their relationship.

Sources

  1. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Redemption — The purchase back of something that had been lost, by the payment of a ransom. The Greek word so rendered is apolutrosis, a word occurring nine times in Scripture, and always with the idea of a ransom or price paid, i.e., redemption by a lutron (see Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45). There are instances in the LXX. Version of the Old Testament of the use of lutron in man's relation to man (Lev. 19:20; 25:51; Ex. 21:30; Num. 35:31, 32; Isa. 45:13; Prov. 6:35), and in the same sense of man's relation to God (Num. 3:49; 18:15). There are many passages in the New Tes”
  2. Proverbs “Proverbs 27:9 (Geneva1599) — As oyntment and perfume reioyce the heart, so doeth the sweetenes of a mans friend by hearty counsell.”
  3. Proverbs “Proverbs 2:11 (Geneva1599) — Then shall counsell preserue thee, and vnderstanding shall keepe thee,”
  4. Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Malluch — reigning; counseling”
  5. Proverbs “Proverbs 8:14 (Geneva1599) — I haue counsell and wisedome: I am vnderstanding, and I haue strength.”
  6. Leviticus “or his uncle, or his uncle’s son, may redeem him, or any who is a close relative to him of his family may redeem him; or if he has grown rich, he may redeem himself. -- Leviticus 25:49”
  7. 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 5:14: younger women--rather, as ellipsis ought to be supplied, "the younger widows," namely younger widows in general, as distinguished from the older widows taken on the roll of presbyteresses (Ti1 5:9). The "therefore" means seeing that young widows are exposed to such temptations, "I will," or "desire," &c. (Ti1 5:11-13). The precept here that they should marry again is not inconsistent with Co1 7:40; for the circumstances of the two cases were distinct (compare Co1 7:26). Here remarriage is recommended as an antidote to sexual passion, idleness, and t”
  8. Ruth (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ruth 4:4: there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee--(See on Deu 25:5). The redemption of the land of course involved a marriage with Ruth, the widow of the former owner.”
  9. Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 19:2: And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there--Mark says further (Mar 10:1), that "as He was wont, He taught them there." What we now have on the subject of divorce is some of that teaching. Divorce (Mat 19:3-12).”
  10. Genesis (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Genesis 3:16: 3:16 Judgment falls on the woman’s unique role of childbearing and on her relationship with her husband. • And you will desire to control your husband, but he will rule over you: The marriage relationship now included an element of antagonism rather than just security and fulfillment. New life in Christ allows for the restoration of a man and a woman’s marriage relationship (Eph 5:18-32; cp. Matt 20:25-28).”
  11. Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 1:7: In whom--"the Beloved" (Eph 1:6; Rom 3:24). we have--as a present possession. redemption--Greek, "our (literally, 'the') redemption"; THE redemption which is the grand subject of all revelation, and especially of the New Testament (Rom 3:24), namely, from the power, guilt, and penal consequences of sin (Mat 1:21). If a man were unable to redeem himself from being a bond-servant, his kinsman might redeem him (Lev 25:48). Hence, antitypically the Son of God became the Son of man, that as our kinsman He might redeem us (Mat 20:28). Another "redempti”
  12. Exodus (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Exodus 21:7: LAWS FOR MAIDSERVANTS. (Exo. 21:7-36) if a man sell his daughter--Hebrew girls might be redeemed for a reasonable sum. But in the event of her parents or friends being unable to pay the redemption money, her owner was not at liberty to sell her elsewhere. Should she have been betrothed to him or his son, and either change their minds, a maintenance must be provided for her suitable to her condition as his intended wife, or her freedom instantly granted.”
  13. 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 7:11: But and if she depart--or "be separated." If the sin of separation has been committed, that of a new marriage is not to be added (Mat 5:32). be reconciled--by appeasing her husband's displeasure, and recovering his good will. let not . . . husband put away . . . wife--In Mat 5:32 the only exception allowed is, "saving for the cause of fornication."”
  14. 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 3 (introduction): RELATIVE DUTIES OF HUSBANDS AND WIVES: EXHORTATIONS TO LOVE AND FORBEARANCE: RIGHT CONDUCT UNDER PERSECUTIONS FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS' SAKE, AFTER CHRIST'S EXAMPLE, WHOSE DEATH RESULTED IN QUICKENING TO US THROUGH HIS BEING QUICKENED AGAIN, OF WHICH BAPTISM IS THE SACRAMENTAL SEAL. (1Pe. 3:1-22) Likewise--Greek, "In like manner," as "servants" in their sphere; compare the reason of the woman's subjection, Co1 11:8-10; Ti1 2:11-14. your own--enforcing the obligation: it is not strangers ye are required to be subject to. Every time that obedien”
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