Preparing for marriage is a crucial step for Christians who desire to honour God through their union. The Bible offers practical wisdom and guidance on how to prepare for marriage. In this response, we will explore some key biblical principles that can help individuals prepare for marriage from both a biblical and Christian perspective.
Seek God’s Guidance #
As you embark on the journey of preparing for marriage, it’s important to remember that seeking God’s guidance should be the foundation of all your decisions. This means committing to daily prayer, spending time reading and studying the Bible, and seeking the counsel of other mature Christians. It also means trusting that God’s plan for your life is perfect, even if it doesn’t always align with your own desires and expectations.
In seeking God’s guidance, it’s important to be patient and willing to wait for the right person. This can be difficult in a culture that often values immediate gratification and quick solutions, but remember that God’s timing is perfect. It’s better to wait and trust in God’s plan than to rush into a relationship that isn’t right for you.
Pray for wisdom and discernment as you seek a partner. Trust in God’s plan for your life and trust that He will guide you to the right person.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Focus on Developing Yourself #
Developing yourself as an individual is an essential part of preparing for marriage. When you focus on growing as a person, you become more well-rounded and prepared to contribute positively to your future relationship. Pursuing your interests and passions can also make you more interesting and attractive to a potential partner.
However, it’s important to remember that developing yourself should not be a self-centred pursuit. Philippians 2:3-4 reminds us to value others above ourselves and look to the interests of others. This means developing character traits such as kindness, humility, and empathy. It also means investing in relationships with friends, family, and your community.
As you focus on developing yourself, remember to prioritize your relationship with God. Spend time in prayer and studying the Bible. Develop a deep and meaningful relationship with Him. This will not only benefit your personal growth, but it will also help you to discern God’s will for your life and relationships.
While it’s important to seek a partner, it’s also important to focus on developing yourself as an individual. Take time to grow in your relationship with God, develop your character, and pursue your passions and interests.
Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Seek Wise Counsel #
Preparing for marriage is a significant milestone in one’s life, and it can be overwhelming to navigate the journey alone. Seeking wise counsel from trusted Christian friends and mentors can be instrumental in providing valuable guidance and support. These individuals can offer advice, insight, and accountability to help you make informed decisions and grow in your relationship with God and your partner.
When seeking counsel, it is essential to choose individuals who are mature in their faith and have experience in marriage or relationships. Look for someone who shares your values and beliefs, and who you trust to provide honest and objective feedback. It may also be helpful to seek counsel from a couple who has a strong and healthy marriage that you admire.
One benefit of seeking wise counsel is gaining valuable insight into yourself and your relationship. A trusted advisor can help you identify areas of growth and offer practical advice on how to address them. Additionally, they can help you navigate difficult conversations with your partner and provide a sounding board for your thoughts and feelings.
Accountability is another essential aspect of seeking wise counsel. A mentor or friend can help keep you accountable in areas such as purity, communication, and conflict resolution. They can also pray for you and offer encouragement during challenging times.
Proverbs 12:15 reminds us that the way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Seeking wise counsel is an acknowledgement that we do not have all the answers and that we need the support and guidance of others. It takes humility to admit our weaknesses and seek help, but it is a necessary step towards growth and maturity.
In addition to seeking counsel from trusted individuals, it is also essential to seek God’s guidance through prayer and reading His Word. God promises to give us wisdom when we ask for it, and His Word provides timeless principles for healthy relationships and marriage.
In conclusion, seeking wise counsel from trusted Christian friends and mentors can be a valuable asset in preparing for marriage. These individuals can offer advice, insight, and accountability, helping us grow in our relationship with God and our partners. Remember, the way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Let us seek wisdom and guidance from those who have gone before us and ultimately from God Himself.
Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
Here are a few examples of how seeking wise counsel can be beneficial in preparing for marriage:
- Addressing communication issues: John and Sarah are engaged and have been struggling with communication. They find themselves constantly arguing and unable to resolve conflicts. They seek wise counsel from a trusted married couple in their church who have been married for over 20 years. The couple offers advice on effective communication techniques and shares their own experiences of navigating communication challenges. With the help of their mentors, John and Sarah learn to communicate more effectively and resolve conflicts in a healthy manner.
- Overcoming past hurts: Alex and Emily are both divorced and have been hesitant to pursue a new relationship due to their past hurt. They seek wise counsel from a Christian therapist who specializes in helping individuals heal from past wounds. Through therapy, they learn how to process their past hurts and build healthy emotional boundaries. With the help of their therapist, they are able to approach their new relationship with a healthier mindset.
- Navigating cultural differences: Adam and Kim come from different cultural backgrounds and have been struggling to understand and appreciate each other’s differences. They seek wise counsel from a multicultural couple in their church who have successfully navigated cultural differences in their own marriage. The couple shares their own experiences and offers practical advice on how to celebrate each other’s cultures while building a unified family culture.
In all of these examples, seeking wise counsel from trusted Christian friends or mentors provided valuable guidance and support, helping the couples to grow in their relationship with God and each other.
Seeking Counsel from Mature Pastors #
Preparing for marriage can be an exciting and joyful time, but it can also be daunting and overwhelming. There are many decisions to be made, from choosing a wedding venue to planning a honeymoon, but one of the most important decisions you will make is who you will marry. Seeking counsel from mature pastors can be a valuable resource in helping you navigate this process.
Mature pastors have years of experience working with couples and helping them prepare for marriage. They have seen firsthand the joys and challenges of married life and can offer wisdom and guidance based on their experiences. By seeking their counsel, you can benefit from their insights and avoid common pitfalls that many couples encounter.
Johnathan and Jasmine
One real-life example of seeking counsel from a mature pastor when preparing for marriage is the story of Johnathan and Jasmine. They had been dating for several years and were excited to take the next step in their relationship by getting married. However, they were both feeling overwhelmed by the amount of planning and decision-making that needed to be done.
They decided to seek counsel from their pastor, who had been married for over thirty years. Their pastor was able to offer them practical advice on everything from choosing a wedding venue to managing finances as a married couple. He also shared his own experiences of marriage, including some of the challenges he and his wife had faced and how they had overcome them.
Through these conversations, Jonathan and Jasmine were able to gain a greater understanding of what it takes to make a marriage work. They learned that communication, forgiveness, and shared faith were all essential components of a healthy marriage. They were also able to gain a greater appreciation for the commitment they were about to make and the responsibility that came with it.
David and Rachel
Another example of seeking counsel from a mature pastor when preparing for marriage is the story of David and Rachel. David and Rachel had been dating for a year and were considering getting engaged. However, they were both hesitant to take this step because they had some doubts about their compatibility as a couple.
They decided to talk to their pastor, who had been married for over twenty years. Their pastor listened to their concerns and offered them some valuable advice. He encouraged them to take their time and get to know each other better before making any big decisions. He also reminded them that no couple is perfect and that every marriage requires work and compromise.
Through these conversations, David and Rachel were able to gain a greater understanding of what they needed to work on as a couple. They also learned that seeking counsel from others, especially those with more experience, was an important part of the process of preparing for marriage.
In both of these examples, seeking counsel from a mature pastor helped couples to gain a greater understanding of what it takes to make a marriage work. By drawing on the wisdom and experience of others, they were able to avoid common pitfalls and make more informed decisions about their future together.
If you are preparing for marriage, I encourage you to seek counsel from mature pastors. They can offer valuable insights and guidance based on their experiences and can help you to navigate the many challenges that come with preparing for marriage. Whether you are struggling with a particular issue or simply want to gain a greater understanding of what it takes to make a marriage work, seeking counsel from a mature pastor can be an invaluable resource.
Pursue Purity #
When it comes to pursuing purity in your relationships, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s important to be intentional about setting boundaries and sticking to them. This can be difficult in today’s culture, which often promotes sexual promiscuity and encourages us to indulge in our desires without considering the consequences.
Mark and Emily
One real-life example of pursuing purity in preparation for marriage is the story of Mark and Emily. Mark and Emily had been dating for several months and were deeply in love. However, they were both committed to waiting until marriage to have sex. This was not an easy decision, but they both felt strongly that it was the right thing to do.
To help them stick to their commitment, they set clear boundaries and communicated openly and honestly with each other about their feelings and desires. They also sought accountability from their friends and family members, who supported them in their decision to pursue purity.
Through their commitment to purity, Mark and Emily were able to deepen their relationship and build a strong foundation for their future marriage. They also gained a greater appreciation for the gift of sex and the importance of waiting until marriage to enjoy it fully.
Tom and Lisa
Another example of pursuing purity in preparation for marriage is the story of Tom and Lisa. Tom and Lisa had been dating for a while and were starting to feel like they were ready to take their relationship to the next level. However, they were both struggling with temptation and found it difficult to resist the urge to engage in sexual activity.
They decided to seek counsel from their pastor, who encouraged them to be honest with each other and to set clear boundaries to avoid temptation. He also reminded them of the importance of seeking purity in all areas of their lives, not just sexually.
Through their conversations with their pastor, Tom and Lisa were able to gain a greater understanding of what it means to pursue purity in preparation for marriage. They learned that it’s not just about avoiding sexual activity, but also about guarding their hearts and minds and seeking to honour God in all their relationships.
If you’re preparing for marriage, I encourage you to pursue purity in all areas of your life. This can be challenging, but it’s an essential part of building a strong foundation for your future marriage. Set clear boundaries, seek accountability, and be intentional about guarding your heart and your mind. Remember that God’s plan for sex is a beautiful and sacred gift and that waiting until marriage to enjoy it fully is well worth the sacrifice.
Pursuing purity in preparation for marriage is an important and challenging task, but one that is well worth the effort. By setting clear boundaries, seeking accountability, and guarding your heart and mind, you can build a strong foundation for your future marriage and honour God in all your relationships. So take this opportunity to pursue purity in all areas of your life, and trust that God will honour your commitment to honouring Him.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 says, “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honourable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.”
Prayer Is Key #
Prayer is a conversation with God that can help you to focus on His will and to seek His guidance and strength as you pursue purity. It can be a source of comfort and encouragement and can help you to stay motivated and accountable in your commitment to honouring God.
Here are a few ways that prayer can help you to pursue purity:
It helps you to focus on God’s will
Prayer can help you to focus on God’s will and to seek His guidance in your relationships. It can help you to discern His voice and to make wise decisions that honour Him.
For example, if you’re struggling with temptation or feeling unsure about a particular relationship, you can pray for clarity and guidance. Ask God to reveal His will to you and to help you to discern the right path to take.
It helps you to resist temptation
Prayer can also help you to resist temptation and to stay strong in your commitment to purity. It can give you the strength and courage you need to say no to temptation and avoid situations that might lead you astray.
For example, if you’re feeling tempted to engage in sexual activity outside of marriage, you can pray for strength and for God’s help in resisting temptation. You can also ask Him to help you to set clear boundaries and to avoid situations that might compromise your commitment to purity.
It helps you to cultivate a heart of repentance
Prayer can also help you to cultivate a heart of repentance and to seek forgiveness when you fall short of God’s standards. It can help you to stay humble and to acknowledge your need for God’s grace and mercy.
For example, if you’ve engaged in sexual activity outside of marriage, you can pray for forgiveness and for God’s help in turning away from that behaviour. You can also ask Him to help you to see the value of purity and to make a renewed commitment to honouring Him in all your relationships.
It helps you to stay accountable
Prayer can also help you to stay accountable to others who share your commitment to purity. You can pray for your friends and family members who are also pursuing purity, and ask God to help you to be a source of encouragement and accountability to one another.
For example, if you have a friend who is also committed to waiting until marriage to have sex, you can pray for each other and encourage one another in your commitment to purity. You can also hold each other accountable by checking in regularly and sharing your struggles and successes.
In conclusion, prayer is a powerful tool that can help you to pursue purity in preparation for marriage. It can help you to focus on God’s will, resist temptation, cultivate a heart of repentance, and stay accountable to others who share your commitment to purity. So make prayer a regular part of your pursuit of purity, and trust that God will honour your commitment to honouring Him in all your relationships.
Cultivate Communication Skills #
When it comes to preparing for marriage, one of the most important skills you can cultivate is effective communication. Communication is the foundation of a healthy relationship, and it’s essential for building trust, resolving conflicts, and fostering intimacy.
Here are a few tips to help you develop your communication skills:
Practice active listening
Active listening means giving your full attention to the other person and making an effort to understand their perspective. It involves paying attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues, asking clarifying questions, and reflecting back what you’ve heard to ensure that you understand correctly.
For example, if your partner is telling you about a problem they’re having at work, you might respond by saying, “So what I’m hearing is that you’re feeling really frustrated with your boss. Is that right?”
Use “I” statements
When expressing your own feelings or opinions, it’s important to use “I” statements rather than “you” statements. “I” statements focus on your own experience and feelings, rather than placing blame or judgment on the other person.
For example, instead of saying, “You always ignore me when I’m talking,” you might say, “I feel hurt and ignored when I don’t feel like you’re listening to me.”
Practice empathy
Empathy means putting yourself in the other person’s shoes and trying to understand their perspective and feelings. It involves recognizing and validating their emotions, even if you don’t necessarily agree with them.
For example, if your partner is upset about something, you might say, “I can understand why you’re feeling upset. That must be really frustrating for you.”
Avoid defensiveness
Defensiveness is a natural reaction when we feel attacked or criticized, but it can be harmful to effective communication. Instead of getting defensive, try to stay calm and open-minded, and focus on understanding the other person’s perspective.
For example, if your partner expresses frustration about something you did, you might respond by saying, “I can see why you would feel that way. Let’s talk more about how we can work together to find a solution.”
Seek outside help when needed
Sometimes, even the best communicators need outside help to resolve conflicts or work through difficult issues. Don’t be afraid to seek counselling or advice from a trusted pastor or mentor when you’re struggling to communicate effectively with your partner.
For example, if you’re having trouble resolving a conflict, you might seek out a marriage counsellor or schedule a meeting with your pastor to get guidance and support.
Effective communication is essential for a healthy marriage, and it’s a skill that takes practice to develop. By focusing on active listening, using “I” statements, practising empathy, avoiding defensiveness, and seeking outside help when needed, you can cultivate strong communication skills that will serve you well in your future marriage. So start practising today, and trust that God will bless your efforts to build strong and healthy relationships.
Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Learn to Serve #
Learning to serve is a crucial aspect of preparing for marriage. Serving others requires a selfless attitude, putting the needs of others before your own. In the context of marriage, serving your spouse can mean many things, from doing household chores to putting their needs before your own desires.
Here are some ways you can practice serving others in your daily life:
Look for opportunities to help
Take the initiative to look for opportunities to serve others. This could be something as simple as holding the door open for someone, offering to help a neighbour with work, or volunteering at a local charity/orphanage/NGO.
By actively seeking out opportunities to help others, you’ll develop a habit of putting others’ needs before your own and become more attuned to the needs of those around you.
Practice sacrificial love
Sacrificial love means putting the needs of others before your own, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable. This can be challenging, but it’s an essential part of a healthy marriage.
For example, you might sacrifice your own desire to watch TV in order to spend time listening to your spouse talk about their day. Or you might sacrifice your own free time to help your spouse with a task they need to complete.
By practising sacrificial love in your daily life, you’ll be better prepared to put your spouse’s needs before your own in marriage.
Learn to communicate love in your partner’s love language
Everyone has a unique way of feeling loved, and it’s important to learn how to communicate love in your partner’s “love language.” This means understanding what makes your partner feel loved and appreciated and making an effort to communicate love in a way that resonates with them.
For example, if your partner’s love language is “words of affirmation,” you might make a habit of giving them compliments and expressing appreciation for the things they do. If their love language is “acts of service,” you might take on extra chores around the house to lighten their load.
By learning to communicate love in your partner’s love language, you’ll be better equipped to serve and love them well in marriage.
Serve with a joyful heart
Serving others can be challenging at times, but it’s important to approach it with a joyful heart. Remember that serving others is a way to honour God and reflect his love for those around us.
As you practice serving others, try to cultivate a joyful attitude, focusing on the positive impact you can have on others rather than the inconvenience or discomfort it may cause you.
Learning to serve is a vital aspect of preparing for marriage. By practising sacrificial love, looking for opportunities to help, communicating love in your partner’s love language, and serving with a joyful heart, you’ll be better equipped to love and serve your future spouse well. Remember that serving others is a way to honour God and reflect his love for the world, and trust that he will bless your efforts to love others well.
Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Depend on the Holy Spirit #
Finally, as you prepare for marriage, it’s essential to depend on the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Only he can give you the wisdom, strength, and grace you need to love and serve your spouse well.
Galatians 5:22-23 — “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
These are the qualities that will enable you to have a healthy, fulfilling marriage.
Here are some ways you can depend on the Holy Spirit as you prepare for marriage:
Pray for guidance
Make prayer a regular part of your daily routine, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your preparation for marriage. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and clarity, and trust that he will lead you in the right direction.
Stay grounded in the Word
Make sure to spend time reading and studying the Bible, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you through his Word. The more you immerse yourself in Scripture, the more you’ll be able to discern his will and direction for your life.
Cultivate a heart of surrender
Ultimately, the key to depending on the Holy Spirit is to cultivate a heart of surrender. Surrender your plans, desires, and dreams to him, and trust that he will lead you in the right direction.
As you prepare for marriage, make sure to depend on the Holy Spirit. Through prayer, seeking godly counsel, staying grounded in the Word, and cultivating a heart of surrender, you’ll be better equipped to love and serve.
In conclusion, preparing for marriage involves seeking God’s guidance, developing oneself, seeking wise counsel, pursuing purity, cultivating communication skills, and learning to serve. By following these biblical principles, individuals can better prepare for a Christ-centered and fulfilling marriage.
Let Us Pray #
Holy Father, As we prepare for marriage, we ask that you would guide us and lead us by your Holy Spirit. We pray for wisdom, discernment, and clarity, as we seek to honour you in our relationships. Help us to pursue purity in all areas of our lives, and to cultivate effective communication skills that will enable us to love and serve our spouses well. Teach us to be patient, kind, and selfless, putting others’ needs before our own.
We ask that you would surround us with godly counsel and that you would give us the grace to listen and learn from those who have gone before us. Help us to stay grounded in your Word, and to seek your will and direction for our lives.
Most importantly, we ask that you would fill us with your Holy Spirit, empowering us to love and serve our spouses with the same sacrificial love that you demonstrated for us on the cross. May our marriages be a reflection of your love and grace to the world around us. We pray all these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Blessings,
