6 Points Christians Should Consider Before Getting Married

Christians considering marriage to their partner and want to ensure their relationship can withstand the commitment have a few things to think about. Around 2.5 million Americans will have weddings in 2022, but not all of those will last.

Considering Marriage as a Christian

If you and your partner are considering marriage, it’s essential to analyze the obstacles you may face in the future. Around 50% of marriages now end in divorce and those who remarry run a 67% chance of divorcing again. Be in thoughtful prayer regarding your potential marriage and if making that commitment is the right choice for you and your partner.

Speaking to a pastor or Christian counselor about the commitment and vows you will make before God during the ceremony is also vital. Here are six points Christians should consider before getting married.

1. Location Change

Before you marry your partner, you should consider whether you want to remain in the exact location for the rest of your lives. Many couples don’t end up living in the same place during their engagement, but if you currently live in one of your hometowns, it might be hard to say goodbye.

Consider the possibility of one of you needing to move for work or choosing to live in another climate. If both of you aren’t willing to remain in the same place or relocate, it may not be the time to get married. You don’t want to feel trapped in a living situation, especially in an area you dislike.

2. Income

While money isn’t what makes a marriage work, income is necessary to live in most places on Earth. You and your partner need to discuss how you will make enough money to live comfortably together.

Does one of you make enough money to support you both? Does each of you want to work? It’s crucial to think of both the present and future, especially if you intend on having children. Some parents want to stay at home and others prefer working. Either way, you’ll need to plan out your finances appropriately to ensure you have enough income to fulfill both of your wishes.

Income shouldn’t be a make-or-break decision, but you could run into conflict if one of you isn’t willing to part with your current financial situation.

3. Kids

Having children is a huge commitment for any couple and you must be on the same page. If one of you wants to have children and the other doesn’t, that can be a tricky thing to work through.

No one should feel prevented from having a child if they want one and their partner doesn’t, just like those who do not wish to have children shouldn’t feel forced to have them. When a couple can’t honestly make the right decision for both of them, it may be time to reevaluate the relationship.

4. Belief Systems

As a Christian, you should feel called to marry your significant other and that it’s the right decision for both of you. You are not banned from marrying someone with different beliefs, but for some couples, those differences can cause issues regarding customs, celebrations and raising children.

Even different Christians have different interpretations of the Bible and customs. Ensure you both are comfortable incorporating each other’s beliefs into your marriage. If you are genuinely uncomfortable with your religious differences, you need to discuss the future of your relationship.

5. Arguments

Before you and your partner marry, you must know how you argue. Upbringing and education can influence how people fight with one another. If couples can’t work together to discuss tough subjects healthily, it could spell trouble for the marriage.

Whether you talk it out immediately or spend some time apart, it’s critical to ensure you can compromise without the risk of emotional or physical abuse. Every couple has disagreements from time to time which can lead to arguments. If one of you feels uncomfortable when you argue, it’s probably best to talk to a pastor or counselor about these issues before deciding on marriage.

6. Personality Types

There’s no rule about marrying the same personality type since opposites sometimes attract. It’s more about where your personality leads you. If you’re an extrovert who wants your partner to go on adventures and to social gatherings frequently and your partner is an introvert, it may not be the best fit. The same goes if you are an introvert who wants an extroverted partner to be content staying home during all their free time.

While compromise is necessary for all relationships, expecting your partner to sacrifice all of their social needs is unreasonable. If one of you has a Type A personality and the other is a Type B, it’s essential you both feel your dynamic works. If not, you could get each other very frustrated.

Considering Points Before Marriage

By looking at the different points affecting your marriage, you can make the right decision for you and your partner. Talk about these elements with your partner before taking the next big step.