Marriage is the purpose of courtship: if you are not ready
for marriage, it is better not to court!
"Where no wide counsel is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14 AMPLIFIED BIBLE VERSION
What Makes Courtship Successful?
For a courtship to successfully translate to marriage, the
following processes are highly essential, viz:-
1. Know Each Other
This can be experienced if the following
are strictly adhered to:-
-Be one another’s friend- the Bible says “…a
friend is always a friend…” Proverbs 17:17 (Contemporary English Version, CEV)
-Both of you need to develop a friendship
and companionship relationship
-Know each other as much as possible, but
remember no kissing, caressing, or sex.
-Know each others’ character, strength and
weakness, likes and dislikes…
2. Be Open and Honest
-Courtship is about openness and honesty.
Let Philippians 4:8 be your watchword
-Seek counsel before making serious far
reaching disclosure; never hide anything!
-Let your partner know your past
relationship, if any. Mind you, this is crucial foundation to every successful
marriage.
3. Discuss Religion Differences
What is your partner’s commitment to God
and His church? Ensure you are not yoked with an unbeliever (don’t say “I will
save him or her after marriage. You cannot save anyone, Holy Spirit does). I
she/he eager and diligent about God, church and Christian service. Matthew
7:16-21
4.
Parents
Must Be Involved. Ephesians 6:1-2
Ensure parental consent and commitment from
both sides. Also, win the trust of your parents, pastors and brethren.
5. Seek Godly Knowledge
Ignorance kills. Hosea 4:6 says
“My people are destroyed for lack of
knowledge…”
Be prayerful at all times because without
Jesus Christ we can do nothing. John 15:5-7. Also, create time to learn about
marriage from the Bible, Christian literatures on marriage as well as Christian
counselors and pastors.
6.
Plan Your
Future Together. Ecc. 4:9-12
Create time to discuss and agree on your
wedding plans and bring your
resources together. Amos 3:3 says “ Do two work together except they make an
appointment and have agreed”. Do not borrow money for unnecessary flamboyant
ceremony. Financial debt is a major cause of marital crisis and disharmony!
7. Post-Wedding
Discuss and agree on what you want your
house to look or the location; also, workplaces. You both need to agree on which
church to worship especially if the other partner is from another denomination.
Plan to provide for your household. Genesis 30:30
As you meditate upon the above processes of
courtship, may the good Lord guide and help to take the right decisions.
God bless you!
