How will I know when I have found the perfect spouse for me? | GotQuestions.org

Finding the Right Spouse by Biblical Criteria

Today's question is, how will I know when I have found the perfect spouse for me? In this video I'll answer that question from a biblical perspective. Then afterwards, as always, I'll share some helpful resources, so stick around until the end.

The Bible does not address how to find the perfect spouse, nor does it get as specific as we might like on the matter of finding the right marriage partner. The one thing God's Word does explicitly tell us is to make sure that we do not marry an unbeliever, 2 Corinthians 6, verses 14 -15.

1 Corinthians 7, verse 39 reminds us that while we are free to marry, we should only marry those who are acceptable to God, in other words, Christians. Beyond this, the Bible is silent about how to know we are marrying the right person.

Why Scripture Does Not Spell Out a Mate Checklist

So why doesn't God spell out for us what we should look for in a mate? Why do we not have more specifics about such an important issue? The truth is that the Bible is so clear on what a Christian is and how we are to act that specifics are not necessary.

Christians are supposed to be like-minded about important issues, and if two Christians are committed to their marriage and to obeying Christ, they already possess the necessary ingredients for success.

However, because our society is inundated with many professing Christians, it would be wise to use discernment before devoting oneself to the lifelong commitment of marriage. Once a prospective mate's priorities are identified, if he or she is truly committed to Christlikeness, then these specifics are easier to identify and deal with.

Preparing for Marriage with Maturity, Selflessness, and Discernment

First, we should make sure that we are ready to marry. We must have enough maturity to look beyond the here and now and be able to commit ourselves to joining with this one person for the rest of our lives.

We must also recognize that marriage requires sacrifice and selflessness. Before marrying, a couple should study the roles and duties of a husband and wife. Ephesians 5, verses 22 -31 and 1 Peter 3, verses 1 -7.

A couple should make sure they know each other for a sufficient amount of time before discussing.

Marriage.

They should watch how the other person reacts to different situations, how he behaves around his family and friends, and what kind of people she spends time with. A person's behavior is greatly influenced by those he keeps in company with.

1 Corinthians 15, verse 33. They should agree on issues such as morality, finances, values, children, church attendance and involvement, relationship with in-laws, and employment. These are areas of potential conflict in marriage and should be carefully considered beforehand.

Premarital Counseling and Prayerful Decision-Making

Finally, any couple considering marriage should first go to premarital counseling with their pastor or another trained Christian counselor. Here they will learn valuable tools for building their marriage on a foundation of faith in Christ, and they will also learn how to deal with inevitable conflicts.

After all of these criteria have been met, the couple is ready to prayerfully decide if they desire to be joined together in marriage. If we are earnestly seeking the will of God, He will direct our paths.

Proverbs 3, verses 5 -6.

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