I recall counselling a couple who were having some disagreements. I noticed the lady giving her partner a certain look, which prompted me to correct her. Later, I asked if they felt uncomfortable with my approach, but their response was telling: “That’s why we are here – we trust you to speak truth into our lives.”
Friend, don’t navigate marriage alone (Judges 18:28). Every couple should have someone in their lives who can call them to order when necessary. Sometimes, you won’t know the importance of this until you get married. There are issues in marriage that would require such interventions (1 Corinthians 7:1-5).
A lot has been said about avoiding a third party in marriage. But there are people who are not third parties (Proverbs 11:14). They are a part of the marriage one way or the other. The misconceptions around third parties are the reason why some couples suffer in silence (2 Kings 4:1).
Don’t navigate marriage alone. Don’t wait until you have issues before you sit to glean wisdom from the authority figures in your life (Proverbs 18:1). Sometimes, just a few minutes of interaction with your pastor or mentor as a couple can shed light on important areas of your union.
Dear lady, before you agree to marry that young man, ask who he submits to (1 Samuel 25:25). Dear brother, don’t be deceived into thinking that the lady is gentle, so she won’t give you problems in marriage. I have seen seemingly gentle ladies who would not give their husbands peace of mind (Proverbs 21:9).
There are some matters that should be kept private in a relationship or marriage. But there are matters that must not be kept private (Acts 5:1-11). Knowing the difference can save your marriage. Don’t wait until matters get out of hand (Song of Solomon 2:15). You need to decide on time what you want to keep: your ego or your marriage?
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria