Introduction:
- Emphasizes the gravity of the decision to marry.
- Acknowledges the high divorce rate and its impact on families.
- Aims to assist prospective marriages by identifying key essentials for a healthy relationship.
Core Essential 1: Physical Attraction
- Reference: 1 Corinthians 7:3-5
- Description and Suggestions:
- Recognizes the role of physical attraction in fulfilling marital duties of affection.
- Suggests not neglecting physical attraction, while not making it the sole focus.
- Advises openness to the development of physical attraction over time.
- Considerations:
- Balancing godliness with the acknowledgment of physical intimacy needs.
- Awareness that physical attraction supports marital responsibilities and intimacy.
- The possibility of growing attraction, suggesting not to dismiss a partner based on initial lack of it.
Core Essential 2: Emotional Connection
- Reference: Proverbs 18:24
- Description and Suggestions:
- Stresses the importance of marrying someone who can be a true friend.
- Suggests choosing a partner who offers safety, acceptance, and enjoyable companionship.
- Highlights the lasting value of emotional bonds as physical beauty fades.
- Considerations:
- The unique personality match and the importance of compatibility.
- The enduring nature of emotional connection over physical attributes.
Core Essential 3: Spiritual Maturity
- Reference: Hebrews 5:12-14
- Description and Suggestions:
- Differentiates between nominal Christians and devoted followers of Christ.
- Encourages evaluating a partner’s prayer life, humility, and respect for authority.
- Stresses the importance of a partner leading towards purity and godliness.
- Considerations:
- Assessing a partner’s integration of faith in daily life.
- Observing behaviors such as humility, prayerfulness, and respect for biblical teachings.
Core Essential 4: Common Values
- Reference: Ephesians 2:10
- Description and Suggestions:
- Emphasizes compatibility in life goals and callings.
- Suggests discussing mutual ambitions, ideal marriage vision, and life goals.
- Advises against compromising personal callings for the relationship.
- Considerations:
- Aligning career ambitions, mission interests, and life directions.
- Ensuring that both partners’ callings and goals complement each other.
Core Essential 5: Grounded Character
- References: 1 Timothy 5:8, Proverbs 31:30
- Description and Suggestions:
- Highlights the necessity of a partner capable of providing for a family.
- Emphasizes hard work, perseverance, and integrity as key character traits.
- Suggests evaluating a partner’s ability to handle practical and financial responsibilities.
- Considerations:
- Assessing responsibility, work ethic, and readiness for family life.
- Observing how a potential partner handles difficult situations and responsibilities.
Additional Tips for Choosing a Spouse:
- Consideration of All Essentials: Advises weighing all essentials before committing.
- Emotional Objectivity: Recommends maintaining objectivity and not being blinded by emotions.
- Realistic Expectations: Focus on current attributes of a partner rather than potential.
- Seeking External Opinions: Encourages seeking the perspectives of friends and family.
- Prayer and Guidance: Emphasizes the importance of prayer and seeking God’s guidance.
Conclusion:
- Reinforces the seriousness of the decision to marry.
- Urges seeking wisdom, community support, and divine guidance in choosing a life partner.