8 Ways on How To Prepare for Christian Marriage?
Hey there! I’m absolutely thrilled you’ve found your way here, especially if you’re in that exciting season of life where you’re preparing for a Christian marriage.
Marriage is such a beautiful thing, isn’t it?
Two people coming together and deciding to face the world hand-in-hand as one.
And if you’re like most young people eagerly anticipating this new chapter, I bet you’re brimming with questions about how to prepare yourself for your upcoming marriage.
Now let’s dive right into the heart of it all – Christian marriage.
It’s more than just being married; it’s about reflecting Christ Jesus’ love for His church in our lives as spouses.
But before we get swept up by the wedding day excitement and fall head over heels into family life, we need to take some time out to prepare ourselves not just practically but spiritually too!
In this article, we’ll be exploring eight ways on how to gear up for a godly marriage rooted in Christian faith.
We’ll talk about everything from learning practical skills for married life (yup, including those pesky chores) all the way through understanding what it truly means when Apostle Paul says “the husband is the head of the wife”.
So buckle up future husbands and wives because this journey towards a successful marriage starts now!
1.Deeply Understand the Role of Jesus Christ in Christian Marriage
Alright folks, let’s dive right into one of the most important things when preparing for a Christian marriage – understanding the role of Jesus Christ.
Now, I’m not just talking about knowing that He’s important. No, no. This goes way beyond that.
You see, in a Christian marriage, Jesus isn’t just an outsider looking in; He is the very core and foundation.
Ephesians 5:23 tells us “For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church.” What does this mean for our married life? Well, it means everything!
As future spouses, we’re called to mirror His love and self-sacrifice within our relationship.
Now don’t get me wrong here; I’m not saying you have to be perfect – none of us are!
But having Jesus at your center guides you towards a godly marriage where respect and love overflow.
It gives you a blueprint on how to be a godly wife or husband.
Let me share some numbers with ya’ll – according to John Piper from Desiring God Ministries, couples who make Christ central in their lives have seen dramatic improvements in their marriages.
That’s something worth noting!
So how do we ensure Jesus is at our marital helm?
Here are some practical skills:
Bible Study: Spend time together studying God’s word.
Prayer: Make prayer an integral part of your daily routine.
Church Involvement: Engage actively with your local church community.
Serve Together: Find opportunities where you can serve others as a couple.
Remember folks, inviting Christ into your upcoming marriage isn’t just about saying prayers during your wedding ceremony or going through pre-marital counseling led by your pastor (though those are good starting points too!).
It’s about making Him an active participant – every single day!
In conclusion folks – If we want a healthy, happy marriage, there’s really only one way to go about it.
Make Jesus the head of your relationship.
Yes, it’s challenging and yes, it requires work.
But trust me – the payoff is worth every bit of effort!
Remember – As Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This kind of selfless love isn’t easy but with Jesus at the center of our marriages – we have a fighting chance to make it happen!
So let’s get started on this journey today!
2.)Create Married Life Habits Together
Hey there! If you have been wondering, here are 8 ways to prepare for a Christian Marriage..
This one’s all about creating married life habits together, and believe me, it’s a game-changer!
So what do I mean by “married life habits”? Well, think about your day-to-day routine as a single person.
You’ve got your own way of doing things, right? Now imagine merging that routine with someone else’s. Sounds like chaos?
It can be, but it doesn’t have to be if you start cultivating shared habits before tying the knot.
Remember how Jesus Christ is referred to as the head of the church in Ephesians 5:23?
The same principle applies here guys – become a unit! As future spouses, fostering these habits early on will make for smoother transitions post wedding day.
One important thing is prayer time.
Yep, I’m talking about praying together daily.
It might sound obvious but surprisingly number of marriages don’t establish this habit.
Connecting spiritually isn’t just good for your relationship with God; it strengthens your bond as a couple too!
Now let’s get practical (because practical skills are essential in any successful marriage).
We’re talking about those everyday tasks that seem mundane but are part and parcel of family life – washing dishes, managing finances, grocery shopping…you name it!
Turning these tasks into shared responsibilities not only lightens the load but also fosters teamwork and mutual respect.
What about downtime? How do you relax as an individual vs a married couple?
Unwinding together can take different forms: favorite pastimes might include everything from Bible study guide sessions to Netflix binges.
The key lies in finding common ground while respecting each other’s space.
All right folks! That wraps up today’s discussion on building healthy married life habits together in preparation for Christian marriage.
Remember: marrying someone isn’t just about loving them; it’s about living with them in a way that reflects the love of Christ Jesus.
Until next time! Well, let’s dive right into it. When we’re talking about a Christian marriage, there’s so much to consider.
But one of the most crucial parts?
That’d be understanding the qualities of a godly wife and her contribution to the union.
First off, what makes a godly wife? I’m sure you’ve heard it before – “A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds” (Proverbs 31:10).
The Bible clearly outlines the virtues of a virtuous woman – she’s strong, she’s honorable, she speaks with wisdom and kindness.
She isn’t just looking out for herself; she cares deeply about her family and extends her hand to those in need.
But here’s where it gets interesting.
In Ephesians 5:22-24, Paul writes that wives should submit themselves unto their own husbands as unto the Lord. Now hold up!
Before you start shaking your head or getting all riled up, let’s remember that this isn’t some outdated concept or misogynistic ideal.
This submission doesn’t imply inferiority or subservience but rather mutual respect and self-sacrifice in love.
Let’s take Jesus Christ as an example – He submitted Himself entirely to God’s will even though he was equal with God (Philippians 2:6).
It’s this kind of selfless love that contributes massively towards building a healthy Christian marriage.
Now don’t get me wrong – being a godly wife isn’t just about submission.
There’s also Proverbs 14:1 which says “A wise woman builds her home”. A godly wife contributes by supporting her husband emotionally, spiritually and physically while also raising their children in Christ-like manner.
She uses practical skills like managing finances wisely or making sound decisions for family matters when needed!
It boils down to this – being a godly wife means striving every day to fulfill these roles in love and humility.
It’s about being a strong pillar of support, a loving partner, and an unwavering beacon of faith for her family.
And hey, isn’t that what being one half of a Christian couple is all about?
To reflect Christ’s love in our actions towards each other – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25).
So to all you future spouses out there preparing for your upcoming marriage – whether it’s your wedding day next year or five years down the line – I hope this gives you some food for thought on how important the role of a godly wife is in building a successful Christian marriage.
Remember, it’s not just about finding the right person; it’s also about being the right person.
3.Form relationships with other Future Spouses: It Takes a Village to Raise Marriages
I’ll be honest, preparing for a Christian marriage might seem like a daunting task.
You’re not just planning for your wedding day, but you’re laying the foundation for your married life.
And let’s face it, we could all use some help in this journey.
That’s where the idea of forming relationships with other future spouses comes into play. “It takes a village to raise marriages” as they say.
Let me explain why.
For starters, having friends who are also preparing for their own upcoming marriage can provide practical skills and emotional support.
Let’s consider John Piper’s advice about being good friends first before becoming spouses – it makes sense, right?
In the same vein, building connections with other engaged couples gives us an opportunity to learn from each others’ experiences and grow together.
Plus, these friendships aren’t just about sharing tips on how to pick out matching china or plan a reception menu (though those things are important too).
They’re about nurturing godly relationships that point us back towards Jesus Christ as our head of the church and remind us of His intentions for marriage.
In fact, I’ve found that one of the best things that young couples can do is establish a small group Bible study guide focusing on topics relevant to married life.
This practice allows everyone involved to deepen their understanding of God’s word and its teachings on roles within marriage – think ‘head of the wife’ as explained by Apostle Paul or what it means to love our partners like ‘our own bodies’.
And hey, maybe these sessions will include discussions sparked by quotes from C.S Lewis or reflections inspired by years of ministry shared by respected Christian men and women within your community!
The point is fostering spiritual growth together while absorbing biblical instruction tailored towards creating successful marriages rooted in faith.
So yes! Go ahead and form meaningful bonds with fellow future husbands and wives.
Your shared journey towards a holy matrimony is also about growing as individuals, learning to navigate life’s challenges together, and ultimately serving God’s purposes within your marriage.
But remember, while these friendships are valuable, they should complement and not replace the relationship with your future spouse.
Because at the end of the day, it’s you two who’ll be making that life-long commitment before Christ Jesus in the sacred sacrament of marriage.
Remember, guys and gals: It does indeed take a village to raise marriages!
And being part of that village brings more benefits than you might think.
So why not invest time during your single years into building relationships with others on the same path? Trust me – it’s worth it!
4.Recognizing Jesus as the Head of the Church and Its Influence on Marriage
I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to recognize Jesus as the head of the church, especially in relation to marriage.
It’s one of those things that can deeply influence how we approach married life, so let’s dive into this together.
First off, understanding Jesus Christ as the head of the church sets up an example for future spouses.
The Bible often draws parallels between Christ’s relationship with His church and a husband’s role in his marriage. Ephesians 5:23 says: “For the husband is head of the wife even as Christ is head of the church.”
This doesn’t mean that men are superior—no way!
It does imply a godly husband should strive to love selflessly, just like Jesus did for His people.
Now imagine if more young people grew up with this perspective?
I believe we’d see more Christian couples entering marriages with a focus not just on their own needs but also on serving their partners.
And I’m pretty sure that would lead to healthier marriages overall!
Drawing from my own experience, there were countless times when my hubby and I had disagreements (we’re only human after all).
But remembering our roles in our marriage according to God’s word always helped us find common ground.
After all, who could argue against striving for love like that which Jesus showed?
But hey, don’t think recognizing Jesus’ leadership only benefits those already hitched! Single folks too have lots to gain here!
By understanding these biblical principles now, you’ll be better prepared for your upcoming marriage (whenever that may be).
And even if you’re not planning on walking down any aisles anytime soon or ever at all—you can still cultivate godly relationships based on mutual respect and selfless love by following Jesus’ example.
In short (or maybe not that short), acknowledging and accepting Christ’s role as the head of the church has profound implications for how we view and live out our marriages.
It teaches us to look beyond ourselves, love selflessly, and continually strive towards spiritual growth—pretty good things to aim for in a marriage, don’t you think?
5.Prioritize the Important Things in a Christian Relationship: God’s Word, Spouse’s Compromise, Grace, Patience
Let’s dive right into the heart of preparing for a Christian marriage.
I’ve found that prioritizing four key elements can pave the way to a successful and happy married life – anchoring on God’s word, embracing compromise with your spouse-to-be, oozing grace like it’s going out of style, and embodying patience as if you were Job himself.
First off, let’s talk about God’s word. Throughout my years of ministry, I’ve seen over and over how couples who center their relationship on Jesus Christ have this unique strength that beats any storm.
The Apostle Paul was pretty clear when he said Christ is the head of the church (Ephesians 5:23), so why shouldn’t He be at the center of our marriages too? Reading your Bible study guide together or joining a small group can encourage spiritual growth for both you and your future spouse.
Now onto compromise – yep it ain’t always easy but boy oh boy is it essential!
In any healthy marriage there will be times where you need to put aside your own needs for those of your partner. And guess what? That’s okay!
You’re becoming one flesh after all (Genesis 2:24). Remember what C.S. Lewis once said? “Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person’s ultimate good as far as it can be obtained.” Compromise doesn’t mean losing yourself; think of it more as an act of love towards building a godly marriage.
Next up on our list is grace – something we all need bucket loads of in married life.
It’s about showing unmerited favor to each other just like how God shows us every single day.
Your future husband or wife won’t always get everything right (newsflash: neither will you!).
That’s why grace, my good friends, is so crucial. When your partner forgets to do the dishes for the umpteenth time or when they blurt out something hurtful in a heated moment, remember grace.
Finally, we come to patience – possibly one of the most underrated virtues.
The Apostle Paul lists it among the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
Patience is about more than just biting your tongue when you’re stuck in traffic; it’s about understanding and being tolerant towards your future spouse’s growth and journey.
One day at a time, right?
In all this preparation for your upcoming marriage, don’t forget to enjoy your single years or dating phase too! Some say these moments are like gold dust; I wholeheartedly agree.
Use this time wisely to develop practical skills and become the godly husband or wife that God intends you to be.
Preparing for a Christian marriage isn’t just about planning an unforgettable wedding ceremony – it’s about laying strong foundations for life-long commitment under God’s purposes where Christ Jesus is first in everything.
So let’s roll up our sleeves and start prioritizing these important things today!
6.Honing Practical Skills for a Harmonious Christian Marriage: Verses to sizzle in your spirit
Holy matrimony, right? We’re all excited about our big wedding day.
But let’s face it, preparing for a Christian marriage goes way beyond picking out the perfect dress or choosing the tastiest cake.
It’s about nurturing a godly relationship that mirrors Christ Jesus and his love for his church.
So how do we do that? Well, first off, let’s focus on practical skills.
Practical topics such as budgeting, conflict resolution, communication are of paramount importance for a successful marriage.
But hey!
Don’t sweat it; I’ve rounded up some Bible verses to guide you through this journey.
Starting with Proverbs 3:5-6 – “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.”
This verse is an important reminder when planning finances or resolving conflicts as a married couple.
Trust God wholeheartedly without relying solely on our own needs or desires.
Next up is Ephesians 4:2-3 – “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Patience is key folks!
Especially when dealing with miscommunication or misunderstandings within the family life.
Humility allows us to listen actively and respond gently which fosters positive interaction between future spouses.
And what about those good friends who stand by us through thick and thin?
Maintaining friendships post-marriage can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope but remember Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times”.
This verse encourages us to appreciate our close-knit circle even amidst the hustle-bustle of married life.
Here comes my favorite from Apostle Paul (Ephesians 5:21) – “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” This one’s a game changer! Mutual submission out of love and respect for Jesus Christ is the bedrock of a godly marriage.
It paves the way for understanding, empathy, and true companionship.
Remember, it ain’t easy but with God’s word as our guide, we can surely lay the foundation stone of a harmonious Christian marriage. So folks, get those Bibles out and let these verses sizzle in your spirit while you prepare for your upcoming marriage. Happy prepping!
7.Creating a Marital Bond as a Married Couple that Jesus Smiles At
Hey folks! I’m here to chat about something near and dear to my heart – creating a marital bond that not only you and your spouse will cherish, but one Jesus will smile at.
Now, isn’t that a lovely thought?
Alrighty, let’s dive right in. Building a godly marriage isn’t just about saying “I do” on the wedding day.
It’s also about preparing yourself spiritually, emotionally, and practically for the lifelong commitment of married life.
And it all starts with understanding what marriage really is according to God’s word.
Picture this – John Piper once wrote, “Marriage is a momentary gift.” I agree wholeheartedly!
Marriage is more than just two people living together under the same roof.
It’s an earthly representation of Christ Jesus’ relationship with us, His church.
The Bible tells us that Christ is the head of the church (Ephesians 5:23), similarly in Christian marriages; husbands are called upon to be the head of their wives.
But wait there’s more!
In any good marriage, communication plays a crucial role.
This doesn’t mean only talking about practical topics like who does laundry or takes out trash (though they’re important too!) but also includes sharing dreams, fears and even your favorite pastimes with each other.
Now hold onto your seats because here comes some real talk: building these kinds of healthy marriages where both partners grow together in their Christian faith requires work–lots of it!
Remember those vows you recite on your wedding day?
They’re not just beautiful words meant for ceremony; they’re promises made before God for a life-long journey together.
And speaking from years of ministry experience here guys – no one becomes good friends overnight nor transforms into godly husband or godly wife instantly after exchanging rings!
It takes time spent praying together (and for each other), learning about God’s purposes for your marriage, mutual respect and a lot of love.
In the spirit of keeping it real, let me tell you – there will be struggles and misunderstandings along the way but that’s part of growth too! Just like Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.”
The same kind of sacrificial love should characterize our marriages.
So here’s my two cents on creating a marital bond that Jesus smiles at: keep Christ at the center of your marriage.
And remember this; it’s not always about fulfilling one’s own needs but serving each other selflessly.
You see friends, when we strive to reflect Christ’s love to our spouses daily through actions big and small–that’s when we create a Christian marriage that’s truly worth smiling at!
8.Drawing Inspiration from John Piper’s Teachings on Christian Marriages
I’ve been diving into the teachings of renowned theologian, John Piper and I’ve got to tell you, there is a treasure trove of wisdom to explore!
So let me share with you some insights that have had a profound impact on my understanding of Christian marriages.
What John Piper teaches about submission in marriage and why it’s important
Now, hold up! Before your mind panics at the word ‘submission’, let me assure you it has nothing to do with losing your identity or becoming a pushover.
According to Piper, submission in marriage is about modeling our relationships after Jesus Christ and the Church.
He says just as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her, so should husbands do for their wives (Ephesians 5:25).
And what about wives?
Well, Piper explains that they’re called upon to respect and support their husbands in the same way the Church submits itself under Christ – its head (Ephesians 5:22-24). And remember guys, this isn’t about domination or asserting superiority. It’s all about love!
You might be wondering why this concept is so darn crucial.
Well folks, imagine a world where every married couple reflected God’s love story between Jesus Christ and
His church – wouldn’t that be something extraordinary? Not only does it create harmony within marriages but it showcases God’s love to others too!
Let’s face facts here – navigating married life can sometimes feel like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without an instruction manual (been there!).
But if we look closely enough at John Piper’s teachings along with studying God’s Word diligently – we’ll find ourselves equipped with practical skills necessary for building not just good marriages but godly ones.
So whether you’re single people dreaming of future spouses or married couples seeking ways to enrich your relationship even further – take heart! Just as Jesus is the head of the Church, let Him be the guiding light in your journey towards a fulfilling marriage.
And remember, the intention of marriage is to glorify God and echo His love – so don’t lose sight of that!
Next time when you’re gathered with good friends or in a small group Bible study guide discussion about married life – bring up these lessons from Piper!
Engage in conversations about what it means to have Jesus as the foundation of your relationship.
Talk about how being a godly husband or wife looks like.
Let’s end this chatter for now but I promise we’ll pick it right back where we left off next time. Until then, keep seeking Christ Jesus folks and remember – He’s got your back through every step of this wonderful yet challenging journey called marriage!
How to Prepare for Christian Marriage Frequently Asked Questions
Alright folks, I’m here to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about preparing for a Christian marriage.
It’s not just about the wedding day itself, but building a godly relationship that’ll stand the test of time.
Question 1: What are some practical ways young people can prepare for their future married life?
I’m glad you’ve asked! A lot of young people think it’s all about finding ‘the one’, but there’s so much more to it than that.
Here are a few practical skills that can be cultivated:
Learn how to communicate openly and honestly.
Practice forgiveness and grace in your everyday relationships.
Develop good financial management habits.
Also, don’t forget to spend time studying God’s word.
A verse that comes up often is Ephesians 5:23 where Apostle Paul refers Christ as the head of the church, he being savior of the body too.
Question 2: How does Jesus Christ influence our understanding of married life?
Jesus is our ultimate example in everything, including marriage.
He showed us what selfless love looks like—sacrificing His own needs for ours. We’re called to do the same for our spouses, with Ephesians 5:25 reminding husbands specifically on this matter.
Understanding this fundamental perspective helps us approach married life with humility and grace rather than demands and expectations.
Question 3: What does it mean when they say ‘Godly wife’ or ‘Godly husband’?
A godly wife or husband is someone who strives to live according to God’s principles outlined in His Word.
They put God first in their lives and seek His wisdom in their roles as spouses.
They also work towards maintaining spiritual growth by engaging in activities such as Bible study guides together or attending church services regularly.
Speaking from years of ministry experience though, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about striving for a godly marriage that reflects Christ Jesus, even amidst our human flaws.
Question 4: How can single people prepare for the intention of marriage?
I’ve got good news! Single years aren’t just a waiting period before you get hitched.
They’re an opportunity to grow personally and spiritually.
First off, invest in your relationship with God.
This is the foundation of everything else.
Secondly, cultivate healthy friendships. Good friends can offer valuable insights and keep us accountable in our Christian faith.
Lastly, learn practical topics that will be beneficial in family life such as budgeting or conflict resolution skills.
Trust me; these things come in handy!
So there you have it – some answers to your burning questions on Christian marriage preparation!
Remember, building a successful marriage doesn’t happen overnight but requires intentional and continual effort over time.
But with God at the center of your relationship, you’ll find strength and guidance for this beautiful journey ahead.