“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5
Seeking Guidance from God
As we talk about decision making in marriage, it’s vital for us to remember the importance of seeking God’s guidance. When we allow God to lead our decisions, we can be sure that we are aligned with His will. Prayer and reading Scripture can provide clarity and direction on various topics, from finances to child-rearing. We must always seek guidance from the Lord, trusting that He has the best plan for our lives together in marriage. Encouraging each other to pray helps foster a deeper connection and strengthens our decision-making process.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
Proverbs 2:6
“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6
Psalm 32:8
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” – Psalm 32:8
Proverbs 16:9
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” – Proverbs 16:9
Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
Unity in Decision Making
When making decisions as a married couple, unity should be our goal. God’s desire for us is to be one in spirit and purpose. By engaging in open and honest conversations, we can explore each other’s perspectives and reach compromises that reflect our love for each other. Building unity helps strengthen our bond and ensures that decisions are made with both partners in mind. It’s beautiful to witness how God’s love can be exemplified in our choices, especially when we prioritize our relationship.
Philippians 2:2
“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” – Philippians 2:2
Ecclesiastes 4:9
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3
Respect and Communication
Healthy communication is paramount for successful decision making in our marriage. We should respect each other’s opinions and thoughts, ensuring that both individuals feel valued. Listening actively and responding thoughtfully creates an environment where decisions can be made collaboratively. By fostering respectful communication, we help build trust and strengthen our relationship, guiding our choices toward those that benefit both of us.
Proverbs 18:13
“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” – Proverbs 18:13
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
Ecclesiastes 3:7
“A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.” – Ecclesiastes 3:7
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:6
Being Patient in Decisions
In our marriage, we often face decisions that require patience. We should allow time for thoughtful consideration, seeking God’s guidance along the way. Quick decisions may lead to regrets, while taking our time helps us reflect on our choices. We should support each other during this process, trusting that God is shaping our hearts and minds. Patience deepens our faith and enriches our marriage, leading us to better outcomes.
Proverbs 19:2
“Desire without knowledge is not good—how much more will hasty feet miss the way!” – Proverbs 19:2
Psalm 37:7
“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways.” – Psalm 37:7
Ecclesiastes 7:8
“The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” – Ecclesiastes 7:8
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
James 5:7
“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop.” – James 5:7
Prioritizing Our Marriage
In every decision we make, our marriage must take center stage. We need to evaluate our choices based on how they impact our relationship. When we prioritize each other and our marriage, we create a strong foundation that allows us to face challenges together. As we seek to honor God, we find that putting our marriage first leads to intimacy and joy. Our decisions become reflections of the love God has for us, profoundly impacting our unity and strength as a couple.
Ephesians 5:31
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” – Ephesians 5:31
1 Peter 3:7
“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life.” – 1 Peter 3:7
Malachi 2:14
“You ask, ‘Why?’ It is because the LORD is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.” – Malachi 2:14
Proverbs 31:10
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” – Proverbs 31:10
Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” – Hebrews 13:4
Resolving Conflicts
No marriage is without conflicts. However, resolving disagreements in a loving manner is essential for maintaining harmony. Instead of letting arguments escalate, we should focus on understanding each other and finding common ground. Our commitment to resolving differences with love and respect demonstrates our dedication to our marriage. Embracing forgiveness helps us heal and move forward, fostering an environment where we can make decisions rooted in love.
Ephesians 4:26
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” – Ephesians 4:26
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Proverbs 20:3
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” – Proverbs 20:3
Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18
Final Thoughts
In our exploration of decision making in marriage, we’ve uncovered the importance of seeking God’s guidance, maintaining unity, respecting each other through communication, and being patient. We also learned to prioritize our marriage and resolve conflicts with love. Making decisions together, grounded in faith, enriches our relationship and brings us closer. By applying these principles to our daily lives as married couples, we are better equipped to honor God and our commitment to each other.
As we continue to explore our faith, let’s encourage one another to seek wisdom, foster unity, and strengthen our marriages. Making God the foundation of our decisions will lead to not only a fulfilling marriage but also a rewarding life together.
We can further our understanding of marriage with topics like leaving home for marriage and keeping God at the center of your marriage.