Marriage Prep 101
Getting Ready for the Big Day
Desperately Seeking Someone
Finding Mr./Ms. Right
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on dealing with the stress and discouragement of seeking a marriage partner. Of special note is determining the suitability of a marriage partner.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Identify critical elements for determining suitability of a marriage partner.
- Feel: Commit to God’s plan for marriage.
- Do: Apply the principles from God’s word for marriage.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
Answers will vary. Here are some examples of obstacles today from the text:
- The isolation of individuals from reliance on technology
- The demands of a fast-paced society on our time and availability
- The lack of close-knit families and social environments.
There are many ways to overcome obstacles to finding a suitable mate. Some ideas related to the specified obstacles from the text include making the effort to rely less on technology and more on building interpersonal relationships. Technology by itself is not necessarily a bad thing, but reliance on technology to establish relationships is a weaker process than actual live contact.
Note: It is also important that once a relationship is established, we must keep technology in its proper place and continue to focus on building and sustaining relationships.
We need to look at our life and determine what are our real priorities. We must work to not let the pace of life interfere with establishing relationships.
Family support, or a similar support system is critical to a quality life. As in other areas, this takes focused effort.
- Desperation can lead to poor decisions.
- Desperation can lead to compromised moral standards.
- Desperation can lead to unnecessary stress.
Do not marry an unbeliever (2 Corinthians 6:14). Some feel that they can later convert their mate to Christ. Although this is certainly possible, it is very difficult, especially after marriage. Marrying someone with a different spiritual value adds unnecessary stress on the relationship.
Do not marry for lust…marry for love. (I Thessalonians 4:3-5)
Do you truly know the person (quality of character)? It is important to see the person in a variety of situations, so you have a clearer view of their character. For example: How do they interact with others? Are they kind and considerate to others? What is their level of commitment to spiritual issues and how do these relate to their daily life?
Does the person demonstrate in visible and sincere ways his or her love for you? One should never have to assume or guess at the love the other has for you. Communicating love goes beyond verbal statements. It involves demonstrating love in all situations.
Note: A follow-up question might be to ask participants what made their mate suitable to them.
Marriage was created by God to meet our needs. Among these are our spiritual needs. Finding a suitable mate should never be out of desperation. It should involve a lot of consideration, including the spiritual development of our mate. Both parties in a marriage must support and encourage each other's spiritual development. That is God's plan.