With Whom I Will Marry: A Comprehensive Guide for Prospective Spouses by Luis Palau

Introduction

Marriage is a sacred institution that has been ordained by God and blessed by Him. It is a lifelong commitment between two people who love, honor, and cherish each other. Marriage is not a casual decision, but rather a serious and weighty one that should be carefully considered.

In this guide, renowned evangelist Luis Palau provides biblical counsel and practical advice to help you find the right person to marry and build a successful marriage. Drawing from Scripture, Dr. Palau offers insights into God's design for marriage and provides a step-by-step approach to help you make wise decisions about your future spouse.

Chapter 1: The Importance of Marriage

Marriage is not just a social construct or a legal contract, but rather a divine institution that has been established by God for the benefit of mankind. Throughout Scripture, marriage is held in high regard as a holy union that brings joy, companionship, and mutual support.

• Marriage reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church. In Ephesians 5:25-33, the apostle Paul compares the relationship between husband and wife to the relationship between Christ and His Church. Just as Christ sacrificially loved the Church and gave himself up for her, so husbands are called to love and cherish their wives.
• Marriage provides companionship and support. Proverbs 18:22 says, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord." Marriage provides a sense of belonging and security, and it offers a safe and supportive environment for spouses to grow and thrive.
• Marriage helps us fulfill our God-given potential. God created us for relationships, and marriage is a vital part of our human experience. It helps us develop our emotional, physical, and spiritual potential and allows us to share our lives with someone we love.

Chapter 2: Finding the Right Person

Finding the right person to marry is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. It is a decision that will have a profound impact on your happiness and well-being for years to come.

Here are some biblical principles to guide you in your search:

• Seek God's guidance. Pray for God's wisdom and discernment as you seek a spouse. Ask Him to lead you to someone who will love and support you and help you grow in your faith.
• Look for someone who shares your values. Marriage is a partnership, and it is important to find someone who shares your core values and beliefs. This includes your beliefs about faith, family, and finances.
• Pay attention to character. The Bible says that "a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches" (Proverbs 22:1). When you are looking for a spouse, look for someone who has a good reputation and who is known for their integrity, kindness, and compassion.
• Don't rush into a relationship. Take your time and get to know someone well before you make a commitment to marry. It is important to spend time together, talk about important issues, and build a strong foundation for your relationship.

Chapter 3: Preparing for Marriage

Once you have found the right person to marry, it is important to prepare for marriage. This includes both practical and spiritual preparation.

Here are some practical steps you can take:

• Set financial goals. Marriage is a financial partnership, and it is important to be on the same page about your financial goals and values. Discuss your income, expenses, and savings plans and make sure you are aligned on these important issues.
• Plan your wedding. Your wedding day should be a celebration of your love and commitment. Take the time to plan a day that is meaningful and special to you.
• Seek premarital counseling. Premarital counseling can help you and your partner prepare for the challenges of marriage and build a strong foundation for your relationship.

Here are some spiritual steps you can take:

• Pray together. Prayer is a powerful way to connect with God and each other. Make it a habit to pray together regularly, especially as you prepare for marriage.
• Study the Bible together. The Bible is God's Word, and it provides valuable guidance for marriage. Study the Bible together as a couple and seek to apply its principles to your relationship.
• Serve together. Serving others together is a great way to build teamwork and strengthen your relationship. Find opportunities to volunteer in your community or serve in your church together.

Chapter 4: Building a Successful Marriage

Marriage is a journey, not a destination. It is a journey that has its ups and downs, but it is a journey that is worth taking. With God's help, you can build a successful marriage that will last a lifetime.

Here are some tips for building a successful marriage:

• Communicate effectively. Communication is key in any relationship, but it is especially important in marriage. Talk to your spouse openly and honestly about your thoughts, feelings, and needs.
• Resolve conflict respectfully. Conflict is a normal part of any relationship. The key is to resolve conflict respectfully and without damaging your relationship. Learn to listen to each other's perspectives and work together to find solutions.
• Forgive each other. Forgiveness is an essential ingredient in any healthy relationship. When your spouse hurts you, forgive them quickly and unconditionally. Holding on to anger and resentment will only damage your relationship.
• Spend time together. Quality time together is essential for any marriage. Make time for each other every day, even if it's just for a few minutes. Go on dates, take walks, or simply cuddle up on the couch and talk.
• Pray for your marriage. Prayer is a powerful force in any marriage. Pray for your spouse, for your relationship, and for God's guidance and protection.

Conclusion

Marriage is a beautiful and rewarding journey, but it is also a challenging one. With God's help, you can build a successful marriage that will last a lifetime. By following the principles outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of finding the right person to marry and building a marriage that is characterized by love, joy, and lasting commitment.

Additional Resources

• The Marriage Builder
• Focus on the Family
• Gottman Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most important thing in a marriage?
A: Communication, respect, forgiveness, and spending time together are all important in a marriage. However, the most important thing in a marriage is love. Love is the foundation of any healthy relationship, and it is what will sustain you through the challenges of marriage.

2. How can I know if I am marrying the right person?
A: There is no one definitive answer to this question. However, there are some signs that can indicate that you are marrying the right person, such as having similar values, beliefs, and goals, being able to communicate effectively, and resolving conflict respectfully.

3. What are some of the challenges that couples face in marriage?
A: Some of the challenges that couples face in marriage include communication problems, financial disagreements, infidelity, and differing parenting styles. However, with God's help, these challenges can be overcome.

4. What are some tips for building a strong marriage?
A: Some tips for building a strong marriage include communicating effectively, resolving conflict respectfully, forgiving each other, spending time together, and praying for your marriage.

5. What is the best way to prepare for marriage?
A: There are many ways to prepare