Faith Filled Family Magazine December 2016 | Page 82

with allergies . The couple often sits in the evening on the sofa , each with a cuddly cat close by . As for attention , she stated , “ If I want to snuggle up with Brad , we move the cat .” These happy cats enjoy a place in their family , but not as a replacement for children or each other .
Pet or Family ?
Maybe you and your spouse adopted an animal together , but the creature you brought home in a pet carrier now sits in your seat beside the love of your life , lavished with the attention and affection you feel belongs to you . Are you feeling displaced from your spot in your marriage ? If this is the case , it certainly is not the animal ’ s fault . It is the result of human choice . Unfortunately , this situation is commonplace . One question you may want to consider : Are you pet owners or pet parents ? When you first adopted your pet , you may have thought you were both on the same page about the pet ’ s place in your home and it ’ s status in your family . You may not have considered the possibility that your relationship could suffer as a result .
Christians and non-Christians alike encounter this difficulty more often now when it comes to pets . According to Rover . com in the segment , The Daily Treat , allowing Rover to sleep in your bed can harm your relationship ( Harleman , 2016 ). Regardless of the size or type of pet , allowing it to sleep in your bed could come between the two of you , literally and figuratively . Valid concerns exist about parasites , fleas , and allergies , too . The marriage bed belongs to you and your mate for sleep and intimacy .
Now you find yourself jealous about the attention lavished on your pet . Should you sidle up to your Sweetie panting or purring in hopes he or she will get the hint ? Before you do , the next question to consider are concerns about the understanding of Christian covenant marriage each one of you holds . Were you both on the same page about what the two becoming one meant ? It ’ s time to clear the air to build a healthier , stronger bond between both of you .
Setting Boundaries
The Bible describes Christian covenant marriage being one man and one woman married to each other for life ( Matthew 19:5 , Genesis 1:227-28 , 2:18-24 ). In the creation story of Genesis 2 , God found no suitable helper for Adam among all of what He had already created . Instead , God formed a woman from one of Adam ’ s ribs ( Genesis 2 : 1-25 ). They were charged to care for the garden together , the animals being part of it . The cord of three strands mentioned in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 does not include the family pet , instead foreshadows Jesus Christ as the third cord that strengthens the bond of the couple . We also become one with our husband or wife ( Genesis 2:24 , Ephesians 5:31 ). A good dog can guard your family and enjoy your company , but the center of Christian marriage is Jesus Christ . The pet needs your care and is there for your enjoyment .
There are several passages which talk about Christian families , none of which mentions pets . Ephesians 5:21-33 describes the marital relationship as an earthly example of Christ and the Church . Also , Ephesians 6:1-4 describes parental relationships with their children , no indication of pets being included . If pets are not mentioned in the bible about the Christian family structure , then there is a very different role for the pet than that of a spouse or a child .
What the Bible does say about animals and their relationship with people is that we are to rule over the animals ( Genesis 1:26-28 ). We are also to care for our animals ’ needs ( Proverbs 12:10 ). Whether we choose to treat them as pets we own or as our furbabies , the affection due our mates should remain our mate ’ s .
Certainly , consideration for your pet lover is important . Each person in the couple should look to each other ’ s interests as well as his or her own ( Philippians 2:3- 4 ) and submit your own desires for each other ( Ephesians 5:21 ). Since you are one , peace and harmony in your marriage are very important to you . How can you balance your spouse ’ s love for that four-legged critter in your home with your need for tender affection ?
Your concerns need to be addressed , for sure . But first , it is important to do a bit of self-examination before the Lord ( Romans 12:3 , Psalm 26:2 ) about why this bothers you so much when your spouse is more cozy