1. Divine Guidance:
All good things come from God, who knows the details of our lives and marriages even before the foundations of the earth were laid. Therefore, in all my seeking, I surrender my will to God and let Him lead me. Trusting in His divine plan, I find peace and direction.
2. Acceptance of Imperfection:
Nobody comes in perfect conditions. I have a role to play in my marital choice, to accept the one who is best suited to me in terms of character, mental, emotional, spiritual, and other compositions. Embracing imperfections, I see the beauty in our unique journey together.
3. Mutual Effort:
A great marriage takes two to achieve success. A healthy marriage is the product of two healthy people involved. Therefore, I know I have a better chance of success if I work on my grey areas and look out for the one who is also whole in fundamental areas of life. Together, we build a strong foundation.
4. Personal Reality:
I am fully aware that there are bad marriages and bad examples of spouses, but the experiences of others are not my reality, no matter how bad the story is. I refuse to adopt the misfortunes and mistakes of others as my own reality. I choose to create my own positive narrative.
5. Healing and Forgiveness:
I have forgiven myself and healed from all the wounds in my past. My spouse is not to blame for my disappointments and scars. My spouse is nothing like the people I’ve unfortunately met in the past. I refuse to project any negativity onto the one God has sent to me. I decide to let the dead bury the dead and embrace a future filled with hope and love.
6. In-Law Relationships:
My in-laws are good people. They might have their own excesses, culture, tradition, principles, and way of life, but they are good people. We may differ in understanding and disagree in certain areas, but they are good people. I don’t expect them to understand my personality suddenly; I’ll be patient with them until we learn to know each other better. Building bridges of understanding, we create a harmonious extended family.
7. Intimacy and Companionship:
Lovemaking in marriage is not solely for the purpose of bearing children but for companionship, intimacy, and affection. I’ll prioritize my partner’s body no matter the cost. In our intimate moments, we strengthen our bond and deepen our connection.
8. Men’s Role:
My wife is not my equal in headship as God commanded, but she’s also not my inferior. We are equal in Christ as co-heirs to the glory of God, but my responsibility is to lead the home in the way of the Lord. Therefore, I’m devoted to loving her in all ways, giving up myself for her as Christ loves the church. In my leadership, I serve with humility and love.
9. Women’s Role:
My joy is to submit to the one whom the Lord has put as a leader and protector over me. We are co-heirs in Christ but not equal in the headship of the home. My responsibility is to honor my husband as God has commanded the church to honor Christ as her Lord. In my submission, I find strength and fulfillment.
10. Commitment to Marriage:
My mind is made up to fight for my marriage and put in the work to make it work. I know my spouse is a blessing from the Lord, a good thing that comes with no sorrow. But I also know that the enemy sows tares while men slept. Therefore, I’ll take the bull by the horns and work out the salvation of my marriage with fear and trembling. I know God has already supplied His divine grace, but faith without a corresponding effort on my part is dead. With determination and effort, I nurture our union.
11. Prosperity in Marriage:
God wants me to prosper in my marriage. He designed the success of my home from the very beginning of creation. All that I need to have a good marriage has already been supplied to me. He wishes above all things that I prosper, and prosper I must! Embracing His blessings, I strive for a thriving and joyful marriage.
