Guidance is needed both on what Scripture says about divorce and remarriage, and on how this should be applied to cases that arise. That is, guidance is needed both on the principles and on the application of the principles, on theory and practice.

When working with couples in premarital counseling, we study a range of topics germane to wedding and marriage, such as finances, children, in-laws, chores in the home, expectations, and the like. Our first session appropriately addresses related spiritual topics. The three I normally stress are God’s design for marriage, raising children in a Christian home, and roles within marriage. When discussing roles within marriage, the couple and I explore Ephesians 5:22–33.

This post is adapted from Commentary on Luther's Catechism: Confession and Christian Life by Ablrecht Peters.