What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Setting boundaries with one's own parents and in-laws"
Answer
The present quotes emphasize that too much closeness between (in-law) parents and married children can be problematic. Ellen White warns that constant exchange and spatial proximity can blur the boundaries between families – private matters become spread, criticism and corrective behavior increase. It is recommended that married children should not live in immediate proximity to the parents, in order to preserve the dignity and independence of each family. At the same time, children are reminded of their obligation to honor and support their parents, with God as the highest authority over all family relationships.
Spatial distance and family boundaries
»It is not the best policy for children of one, two, or three families that are connected through marriage to settle within a few miles of each other. The influence is not good for those involved. One family's affairs become the affairs of all. The confusions and difficulties that each family must experience, more or less, and that, as far as possible, should remain within the boundaries of the family circle, are extended to family connections. There are things that should not be known to a third party, no matter how friendly and closely connected they may be. Individuals and families should bear them. However, the close relationship of several families that are constantly brought into contact tends to tear down the dignity that should be maintained in each family.«
Dangers of excessive family closeness
»United as these families are through marriage, and as they interact in each other's society, each is alert to the faults and errors of the others, and feels obligated to correct them; and because these relatives truly love one another, they are concerned about small matters that they would not notice in those who are not so closely connected. Small misunderstandings and minor differences cause heavier spiritual suffering than trials that come from other sources.«
God as the highest authority in family relationships
»Parents and children alike belong to God, to be governed by Him. God's Word has given us rules for guidance. These rules form the standard from which we cannot deviate if we want to walk the Lord's path. God's will must be paramount. The question we must ask ourselves is not: What have others done? What will my relatives think? or: What will they say about me if I take this path? but: What has God said? Neither parents nor children can truly thrive in any way except on the Lord's way.«
🔍 Related Searches
- Avoiding conflicts with in-laws
- Balancing one's own family and parents
- Married children and parent relationships
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.
