B. YOU AS A COUPLE

“Of all social relations calculated to develop character, the most effective and ideal is the affectionate and understanding friendship of man and woman in the mutual embrace of intelligent wedlock. Marriage, with its manifold relations, is best designed to draw forth those precious impulses and those higher motives which are indispensable to the development of a strong character. And such a matchless community of relationship, man and woman in the fond embrace of the highest ideals of time, is so valuable and satisfying an experience, that it is worth any price, any sacrifice, requisite for its possession.” 160:2.6

1. Love Stories from The Urantia Book (gathered and expanded upon by Buck and Arlene Weimer)

a. Andon & Fonta — There were like-minded and equals, the same values and goals, had mutual regard and affection for each other, had a long and intimate relationship, and role compatibility.

b. Adam & Eve — “The most emotional stimulating of these love stores, from the depth of loneliness of the heights of service to humanity. They were equal in every sense of the word, were like-minded.”

c. Adamson & Ratta — both were of superhuman origin, had the same goals, and were devoted to family and the service of all humanity.

d. Joseph & Mary — “Well-educated, came from strong religious backgrounds; they knew each other’s families; they prepared for their eventual family by building their own home. Their roles were well defined. They had an agreed upon technique for raising their children, lived within their financial means, were unafraid of responsibilities, agreed on importance of religion in the home, balanced each other’s personality.”

e. Miriam & Jacob – “Miriam was well-balanced and level headed with a keen appreciation of that which was noble; They knew each other for more than 15 years, were both spiritual minded and had family as the center of the philosophy.”

f. Rebecca & Jesus -— “perhaps the most poignant of all the love stories.

Rebecca’s love and devotion toward Jesus is rarely matched in human history.

The relationship was unsuccessful because of their vastly different goals.

g. Ruth & David — They knew each other for many years before marriage, both believed in the same values, were from similar culture, racial and religious backgrounds; they came from and continued in strong family orientation.

C. YOU AS PARENTS

“No doubt the profound affection of the Deity parents for their divine progeny is the

Wellspring of that beautiful and well-nigh divine love which
even mortal parents bear their children.” 21:0.2