Engaged couples often look to the Bible for guidance as they prepare for marriage. It's a natural inclination, as the Bible offers timeless wisdom on love, relationships, and commitment. While there isn't a specific chapter or verse dedicated solely to engagement, several passages within the Scriptures offer valuable insights into what God expects from couples during this significant period. Let's explore some of these passages and their implications for engaged couples.
The Importance of Purity and Commitment
The Bible emphasizes the importance of purity and commitment in relationships, even before marriage. Proverbs 5:18-19 states, "May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer—may her breasts satisfy you always, may you be intoxicated always by her love." This passage highlights the beauty and joy found in a faithful and loving relationship, emphasizing the importance of waiting until marriage for sexual intimacy.
1 Corinthians 7:2 emphasizes the importance of fulfilling marital obligations: "But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband." This verse stresses the sacredness of marriage as a way to address potential temptations and maintain purity.
Ephesians 5:25 reminds husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her." This verse, though directed towards husbands, emphasizes the selfless and sacrificial love that should characterize all relationships, even during the engagement period.
Communicating and Preparing for Marriage
The Bible also provides guidance on how to communicate and prepare for marriage. Proverbs 15:22 states, "Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established." This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking wise counsel, particularly from trusted family, friends, and mentors, during engagement.
Proverbs 18:22 adds, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord." Finding a life partner is a blessing, and God desires to guide couples as they navigate the journey towards marriage.
Ephesians 5:21 encourages couples to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ: "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." This verse underscores the importance of humility and mutual respect in all relationships, including engagement.
Building a Strong Foundation
Proverbs 19:14 speaks to the importance of building a strong foundation: "A house is built by wisdom, and it is established by understanding." This verse applies to marriage, as well. Engaged couples should strive to understand one another's values, goals, and aspirations to build a solid foundation for their future.
Matthew 7:24-27 uses the analogy of building a house on a solid foundation: "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them is like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, and it fell, and great was its fall." This passage reminds couples to build their relationship on the rock of faith, which can withstand life's storms.
Seeking God's Guidance and Blessing
The Bible encourages couples to seek God's guidance and blessing in their engagement. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Engaged couples should seek God's will in their relationship, trusting that He will guide them towards His best plan.
Proverbs 3:5-6 provides guidance on seeking God's direction: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." Engaged couples should seek God's wisdom in their decisions, trusting that He will lead them in the right direction.
Psalm 127:1 emphasizes the importance of God's blessing: "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." God's blessing is essential for a successful and lasting marriage.
Living Out the Gospel
Finally, Romans 12:9-10 encourages couples to live out the Gospel in their relationship: "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." Engaged couples should strive to live out their faith through their love and commitment to one another, reflecting the love of Christ to the world.
Conclusion
The Bible offers profound insights into the nature of engagement and its role in preparing for a healthy and lasting marriage. By understanding these principles and applying them to their lives, engaged couples can build a relationship that is strong, fulfilling, and pleasing to God. The journey of engagement is a time for growth, learning, and deepening the bond between two people. By seeking God's guidance and relying on His wisdom, couples can lay a solid foundation for a lifetime of love and commitment.
