MARRIAGE
Seeking Godly Wisdom for Marriage
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ."
— Philippians 1:9–10
Marriage is a sacred, lifelong commitment, making wise counsel essential for navigating its challenges. Whether you're preparing for marriage or already married, seeking guidance is a vital step in building a strong, God-centered relationship.
Premarital counseling is a common and beneficial step for many couples. It can take various forms, such as premarital workshops, counseling sessions, or structured questionnaires—all designed to help couples gain clarity and prepare for their journey together.
God established marriage as a covenant—a holy and lifelong union between a man and a woman, built on love, commitment, and faith. A Christian marriage reflects this sacred design, where both husband and wife are united legally, physically, and spiritually, fully devoted to Jesus Christ and to one another.
No matter where you are in your relationship, seeking biblical wisdom and practical counsel early can help lay a strong foundation for a lasting, Christ-honoring marriage. We are here to offer support and provide you with a free, helpful guide to help you on this journey.
THE ALITA REYNOLDS SHOW
Inspiring conversations that will encourage you to live the life you were created for.
Do you want to experience a deeper relationship with Jesus?
Do you need some encouragement that your story has a purpose?
Join Alita Reynolds, the President of Women of Faith, as she and her featured guests inspire you to live the life you were created for and equip you to walk more fully in God’s purpose for your life. Whatever your story, your life matters, you belong, and God wants you to live victoriously. You’ll meet a wide range of guests who impact the kingdom in meaningful ways every day. Their stories will inspire you to believe that when we walk by faith, ANYTHING is possible.
Dos and Don’ts for Those Contemplating Marriage
Marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God, and preparing for it requires wisdom, prayer, and intentionality. Here are key biblical dos and don’ts to guide you as you consider this lifelong commitment.
✅ DOs: Biblical Principles for a Strong Foundation
Seek God’s Guidance First
"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." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- Pray for wisdom and discernment before making a lifelong commitment.
- Seek God’s will, not just personal desires or emotions.
Build a Christ-Centered Relationship
"Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." (Psalm 127:1)
- Ensure your relationship is founded on faith and biblical principles.
- Encourage each other’s spiritual growth and commitment to Christ.
Seek Wise Counsel
"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." (Proverbs 15:22)
- Talk to godly mentors, pastors, or married couples who reflect biblical marriage values.
- Consider premarital counseling to address important topics like communication, finances, and conflict resolution.
Establish Open and Honest Communication
"The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil." (Proverbs 15:28)
- Discuss expectations, values, and long-term goals.
- Be transparent about past struggles, faith, finances, and future plans.
5Guard Purity in the Relationship
"It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality." (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
- Commit to honoring God’s design for purity before marriage.
- Establish boundaries that protect both of you from temptation.
Observe How Your Partner Handles Challenges
"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much." (Luke 16:10)
- Pay attention to how they respond to stress, disagreements, and setbacks.
- Ensure they demonstrate godly character and maturity.
Confirm Compatibility in Key Areas
"Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?" (Amos 3:3)
- Discuss faith, family, finances, and life goals to ensure alignment.
- Be honest about deal-breakers and differences that may cause conflict later.
🚫 DON’Ts: Red Flags and Cautions
Don’t Rush the Decision
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
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Avoid marrying out of pressure, infatuation, or loneliness.
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Take time to truly know the person and seek confirmation from God.
Don’t Ignore Red Flags
"The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty." (Proverbs 22:3)
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Watch for patterns of dishonesty, anger issues, lack of spiritual maturity, or controlling behavior.
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Address concerns openly instead of assuming things will change after marriage.
Don’t Enter a Relationship Unequally Yoked
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?" (2 Corinthians 6:14)
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Marry someone who shares your faith and commitment to Christ.
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A spiritual mismatch can lead to struggles in values, priorities, and purpose.
Don’t Rely on Feelings Alone
"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure." (Jeremiah 17:9)
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Emotions can be misleading; seek God’s truth and wisdom in making your decision.
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A healthy marriage requires commitment, not just romantic feelings.
Don’t Avoid Difficult Conversations
"Speak the truth in love, so we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Christ." (Ephesians 4:15)
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Discuss finances, children, family roles, and personal struggles before marriage.
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Address conflicts early and ensure you can communicate effectively.
Don’t Expect Marriage to Fix Problems
"Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else." (Galatians 6:4-5)
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Unresolved personal issues, addictions, or emotional wounds won’t disappear after marriage.
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Focus on personal healing and growth before making a lifelong commitment.
Encouragement
Marriage is a beautiful and sacred covenant designed to reflect Christ’s love for the Church. Take time to prepare, seek God, and make wise choices that will lead to a Christ-centered, lifelong partnership.
💍 “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Mark 10:9)
MOVE FROM AN AVERAGE MARRIAGE TO A THRIVING MARRIAGE
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral”. Hebrews 13:4
A Covenant To Have and to Hold
Time, effort, and meticulous planning go into the wedding. What about the marriage? Maybe you’re cynical about marriage because of the failed marriages you see around you. Maybe your own marriage has deflated and your hope of ever having a fulfilling marriage relationship has disappeared.
Marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God with intention and purpose. Discover how to root your identity in Christ rather than in your spouse, explore practical ways to strengthen your marriage, and embrace the unique differences between men and women that bring harmony and balance to the relationship.
From the very beginning to the culmination of Scripture, marriage holds a central place in God's design (Genesis 2:18–25; Revelation 19:6–9). Throughout His Word, God reveals His heart for marriage, offering wisdom and guidance for our greatest joy and fulfillment. His divine plan is meant to bless and enrich our lives, drawing us closer to Him and each other.
Today's Marriages
Today’s marriages need intention more than ever before. There are currently 60.8 million marriages in the United States. Divorce rates are 50% for first marriages, 67% for second marriages and 74% for third marriages. Whether the marriage is struggling, healthy, or in the pre-marital phase, The Intentional Marriage offers programs to build stronger communication, connection, commitment and relationship.
Couples need to spend time looking at what is important in keeping marriage fresh and alive. We are committed to helping couples reach a new level of effectiveness in their marriage and creating a culture of growth in marriages that focuses on Jesus.
“The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart.” (Psalm 19:8 nlt)
God’s Heart on the Marriage Covenant
Marriage is more than just a legal contract—it is a covenant, a sacred and binding agreement established by God. This covenant reflects His unbreakable love and faithfulness to His people and calls for a lifelong commitment between a husband and wife.
Marriage as a Covenant, Not Just a Contract
"So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." – Matthew 19:6
Unlike human contracts that can be broken, a covenant is a lifelong promise made before God. It signifies a deep, unbreakable bond between a husband and wife.
A Reflection of God’s Faithfulness
"I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion." – Hosea 2:19
Just as God remains faithful to His covenant with His people, He calls for faithfulness in marriage. It is a sacred vow that should not be broken.
A Union Sealed by God
"The Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant." – Malachi 2:14
God takes marriage seriously, seeing it as a divine commitment, not just an earthly arrangement. Breaking this covenant dishonors both God and the spouse.
4. Love and Sacrifice in the Marriage Covenant
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." – Ephesians 5:25
The marriage covenant requires selfless love—a love that mirrors Christ’s sacrifice for the church. It is not based on fleeting emotions but on commitment and service.
A Covenant That Cultivates Unity
"‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church." – Ephesians 5:31-32
Marriage represents the spiritual unity between Christ and His church. It is a lifelong journey of growing together in love, trust, and faith.
Keeping the Marriage Covenant Holy
"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." – Hebrews 13:4
Purity and faithfulness are essential to honoring the marriage covenant. It is a commitment to love, respect, and uphold the sanctity of marriage.
Strength in God’s Covenant Love
"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you." – Isaiah 54:10
God’s covenant with His people is everlasting, just as He desires for marriage. It is built on grace, forgiveness, and enduring love.
The marriage covenant is a divine, lifelong commitment, not to be taken lightly or abandoned. It is a sacred reflection of God’s faithfulness, requiring love, sacrifice, and devotion. When a husband and wife honor this covenant, they experience God’s blessing and design for a thriving, Christ-centered marriage.
