Marriage - Preparing For Marriage

…So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God. - 2 Chronicles 27: 6

No one is likely to excel in any endeavour he did not prepare for. As it is commonly said, ‘if you fail to plan, then you plan to fail’

Having found a life partner who is compatible spiritually, mentally and physically, the process of courtship then begins.

What is Courtship?

This is the period between when a man and a woman agree to marry and the time they are actually joined in Holy wedlock. Matthew 1: 18, Luke 1: 27

This is a very vital period that builds the foundation of the home to come. As a result it must not be toyed with – Psalm 11: 3.

Why Courtship?

It is a time of getting to know each other better and also members of both families. It should be a time of openness, transparency and fact finding. It certain facts come to the fore leading to irreconcilable differences, wisdom demands a parting of ways because a broken courtship is better than a broken marriage.

Length of Courtship

This varies from couple to couple. Since marriage is for life, courtship should not be rushed but must not be unduly long.

During the courtship period several plans have to be made. - Luke 14: 28-32.

1. Purpose in your heart not to defile yourself;  No to premarital sex – Hebrews 4:16, Daniel 1:8; 1 Corinthians 6:18
2. Set physical boundaries that must not be crossed e.g. no physical intimacies – I Thessalonians 5:22
3. Where to live – will it be a new location or one of the old apartments where either party lived.
4. Finance Management e.g. joint or separate accounts, budgeting etc
5. Number of children
6. Vision/Goal sharing