My spiritual father shared a story from his courtship days. He had a vision for his life and ministry and wanted mummy to grow with him. He encouraged her to read the Bible and commit to personal growth, ensuring they would progress together. Today, they are thriving together. I learnt that spouses need to grow together.
Friend, you need to grow together with your spouse. Understanding that both of you are a team already places a necessity for mutual growth and development if you would walk and work together (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Failure to commit to growth as a couple would bring untold struggles in your home and marriage.
It is beautiful to see couples grow together. Most of the marriages we admire today are characterised by the mutual growth of both partners (Isaiah 51:1-3). The spouses connect, complement, and complete each because they are on the same page. You cannot scripturally agree with your spouse if you don’t grow together (Amos 3:3).
Sometimes, it is normal for one of the spouses to be ahead of the other at the start of the marriage. But the couple must work at bridging the gap as soon as possible (Genesis 2:18-25). However, the gap must not be too wide. But it must be bridged. This is one of the things you do during courtship, and it is what you would keep doing in marriage.
Dear husband, don’t leave your wife behind in your journey of growth and development (Genesis 19:26). No matter how difficult it is, do all you can to get her on board. Dear wife, step up! Yield to the demands of growth. If you must marry a man that you are ahead of, decide to patiently challenge him to grow. Don’t leave him to himself.
When spouses grow together, communication is enhanced (1 Peter 3:1-7). It also helps your decision- making. Parenting becomes fun when you grow together as you inspire your children (Psalms 128:1-6). For singles, a desire and commitment to personal growth are part of what to watch out for in choosing a spouse. Help your spouse to grow so you can be proud of what he or she becomes.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor, Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria