These tips are applicable not only in the context of relationships and marriage but also in business, careers, and everyday life.
1. Pray First, Not Last
Many people decide who they want and then ask God for God’s blessings. They get emotionally attached first, then pray later, hoping for a divine confirmation that matches their feelings.
When your heart is deeply invested, it’s hard to hear God clearly. Instead of seeking God’s will, you start convincing yourself that what you want is what He wants. At that point, it’s easy to mistake His permissive will (what He allows because of your insistence) for His perfect will (what He truly desires for you).
That’s why discernment begins before emotions get involved. Instead of saying, “God, I really like this person; please make it work,” the prayer should be, “Lord, is this your best for me? Show me what I can’t see.”
God is not silent; He will give you an answer, but God won’t force His will on you. If you truly want His best, seek Him first, not after your heart is already entangled. A relationship led by emotions alone may feel right at the moment, but only God’s perfect will brings lasting peace and purpose.
2. Don’t Ignore Red Flags
Love isn’t meant to blind you. If you notice things like dishonesty, emotional instability, lack of accountability, or controlling behavior, don’t overlook them. What seems small now will only grow bigger in marriage. God’s best will never require you to ignore important issues just to “make it work.”
“The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” (Proverbs 22:3)
3. Listen to Wise Counsel
Sometimes, the people around us can see things we’re too emotionally invested to notice. If your trusted, godly friends, mentors, or family members have serious concerns about your relationship, don’t dismiss them. God often uses wise counsel to confirm His direction.
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14)
4. Give It Time
If something is truly from God, time will reveal it. You don’t have to force, chase, or manipulate anything. Patience allows you to observe a person’s true character and consistency before making a lifelong commitment. If it’s right, time will only make it clearer.
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” (Psalm 37:7)
One of the hardest things is waiting when you feel ready for love. But remember, God’s best is worth the wait. Instead of settling for what’s available, trust that He knows what you need and when you need it. A rushed decision may bring short-term happiness, but God’s best brings long-term fulfillment.
When it comes to choosing the right partner, I hear people say a lot. I want a God fearing man. He or she must be a Christian [I wonder if you want to consider an unbeliever before]. I want someone who can demonstrate the gifts of the spirit, and so on.
While you may be entitled to your choice, there is an important factor I would love you to consider in your prospective fiance or fiancee.
Marriage is a whole lot. It would be wise for you, if you can, to reduce the issues you would face in marriage.
When the bible says you should not be yoked with unbelievers, it is to your advantage. Apostle Paul says marriage comes with additional stress in an already stressful life. How do you want to add that to a partner who doesn’t share your spiritual values?
Back to my discourse, the very first thing I feel you should consider before saying yes is integrity. Does this person have integrity? Is he or she a person of his/her words? Do they mean yes when they say yes?
When the disciples were to choose the seven deacons, the first criteria was honesty.
Acts 6:3 [KJV] Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
They chose integrity before they mentioned being full of the spirit.
Acts 6:3 [AMP] Therefore, brothers, choose from among you seven men with good reputations [men of godly character and moral integrity], full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.
What does that tell you?
Don’t be swayed by the gifts of the spirit you see manifesting in that person’s life. Check for integrity. Check for honesty. You can’t afford to get married to someone who doesn’t value truthfulness.
Even God honors His words above His name. That is integrity!
Ps 138:2 [NKJV] I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.
Marriage is one of life’s most significant commitments, and it requires careful preparation, self-awareness, and a strong foundation. Before jumping into this lifelong partnership, it’s essential to assess whether you’re truly ready emotionally, spiritually, and practically. Below is a quiz designed to help you reflect on your readiness for marriage. Answer honestly, and use the results as a guide for further growth.
1. Do You Have a Deep Relationship with God?
Marriage should be grounded in faith, especially for Christians. A strong relationship with God equips you to navigate challenges, make wise decisions, and prioritize love over selfish desires. If you feel distant from God or unsure about His role in your life, consider investing more time in prayer, Bible study, and spiritual growth before committing to marriage.
2. Can You Communicate Effectively?
Healthy communication is the cornerstone of any successful marriage. Are you able to express your thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly? Can you listen actively without becoming defensive? Misunderstandings and unresolved conflicts can strain relationships, so mastering communication skills is crucial before tying the knot.
3. Are You Emotionally Mature?
Emotional maturity means understanding and managing your emotions while showing empathy toward others. Do you handle stress well? Can you take responsibility for your actions and apologize when necessary? Emotional immaturity can lead to unhealthy patterns in marriage, such as blaming, controlling behavior, or avoiding tough conversations.
4. Do You Know Yourself Well?
Self-awareness is vital for building a healthy marriage. Are you clear about your values, goals, strengths, and weaknesses? Do you understand what you bring to the table—and where you might need improvement? Knowing yourself helps ensure that you enter marriage as a whole person, not someone seeking completeness through another.
5. Are You Financially Responsible?
Money is one of the leading causes of conflict in marriages. Do you have a basic understanding of budgeting, saving, and financial planning? Are you free from excessive debt or reckless spending habits? While no one expects perfection, being financially responsible demonstrates maturity and readiness to manage household responsibilities together.
6. Have You Resolved Past Hurts?
Unresolved issues from past relationships or family dynamics can resurface in marriage if left unaddressed. Have you worked through any lingering pain, trauma, or bitterness? Healing these areas ensures that you don’t carry unnecessary baggage into your new life together.
7. Do You Share Core Values with Your Partner?
While differences can enrich a relationship, core values like faith, family, career, and lifestyle priorities must align for long-term harmony. Do you and your partner share similar beliefs about raising children, finances, and commitment to God? Compatibility in these areas lays a solid foundation for lasting love.
In conclusion, if you answered “yes” to most of these questions, congratulations—you’re likely ready for marriage! However, if some areas need improvement, take the time to grow and prepare. Remember, entering marriage prematurely can lead to unnecessary struggles. Trust God’s timing, and invest in yourself and your relationship. After all, a successful marriage isn’t just about finding the right person—it’s also about being the right person.
How do you know who is truly right for you? With so many voices from family, friends, culture, and even your own emotions, it can be hard to tell the difference between a good option and God’s best. The truth is, not every good person is God’s person for you.
Someone can check all the boxes on paper, but they still may not be the right fit for your purpose. That’s why discernment is so important. It’s not just about what you want, it’s about seeking God’s wisdom and letting Him guide your heart.
What a Relationship from God looks like:
1. It Aligns with God’s Word
God will never bring someone into your life who pulls you away from Him. If a relationship is leading you to compromise your faith, walk in disobedience, or put someone else before God, then it’s not His best. A godly relationship should strengthen your faith, not weaken it.
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” (2 Corinthians 6:14)
2. It Brings Peace, Not Confusion
You may not have all the answers when something is from God, but you will have peace. This doesn’t mean the relationship will be perfect, but it won’t leave you in constant anxiety or emotional chaos.
“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” (1 Corinthians 14:33)
3. It’s Rooted in Purpose, Not Just Feelings
Being attracted to your partner is great, but that isn’t enough to sustain a godly relationship. God’s best for you is someone who aligns with your purpose and encourages your growth. A person can be kind, loving, and even a Christian, but if they don’t align with what God has called you to do, they may not be the one.
“Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3:3)
I believe the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ provides a level ground of play for everyone who has been redeemed. Jesus had already paid the ultimate price for us.
There are some things that should not be. They are aberrations. Both things we engage in and the things we permit in our lives, relationships, and marriages.
Let me zero in on today’s topic on the negative use of our tongues.
Our tongues are very powerful. We are created in God’s image, and we know that God is a speaking God.
We change the course of our lives and destiny by the proper use of our tongues
Our text this morning admonishes us to use our tongues positively.
If you are in a relationship and your fiance or fiancee has a bad mouth and tongue, that’s a red flag.
Don’t take this lightly, trivialize, overlook, or dismiss them, as they will change after we are married.
Putting a ring on someone’s finger does not change anybody. Put your feet down and let him/her be schooled about the proper use of the tongue.
James 3:9-10 [TPT ]We use our tongue to praise God our Father and then turn around and curse a person who was made in his very image! Out of the same mouth we pour out words of praise one minute and curses the next. My brothers and sisters, this should never be!
To the married, Jesus was speaking through James, that the negative use of the tongue ‘should not be’
It is not permissable. In other words, ‘don’t allow it’
As Christians, there are things we should not permit. We should say no to mean words, demeaning words, hurtful words, and abusive words spoken to us, our children, about our marriage, career, finances, health, etc
We have the authority to refuse it. When we rebuke that spirit, it has no choice but to flee from our marriage. We need to take responsibility; Jesus won’t take that responsibility on our behalf.
Remember, this should never be in your relationship and marriage.
