A Premarital Program

A Premarital Program to build a strong and godly foundation for your marriage

1. Communication

• Practical Tips:

  • Schedule regular times to talk openly about feelings, goals, and concerns.

  • Practice active listening by summarizing and repeating back what your partner says.

  • Avoid criticism; focus on constructive dialogue.

  • Use "I" statements to express how you feel without blaming (e.g., "I feel upset when..." instead of "You always...").

• Biblical References:

  • "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." (James 1:19)

  • "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up." (Ephesians 4:29)

2. Conflict Resolution

• Practical Tips:

  • Address issues promptly instead of letting them fester.

  • Stay focused on the problem, not the person.

  • Take breaks if emotions run high, but commit to revisiting the issue.

  • Seek compromise and be willing to forgive.

• Biblical References:

  • "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:18)

  • "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

3. Finances

• Practical Tips:

  • Create a joint budget and agree on financial goals.

  • Be transparent about debts, assets, and spending habits.

  • Decide on financial roles and responsibilities (e.g., who pays which bills).

  • Save for emergencies and discuss long-term plans like retirement.

• Biblical References:

  • "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." (Proverbs 22:7)

  • "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?" (Luke 14:28)

4. Intimacy and Expectations

• Practical Tips:

  • Discuss physical and emotional intimacy expectations openly.

  • Set boundaries that respect each other’s comfort levels.

  • Read books or attend workshops on cultivating healthy intimacy in marriage.

  • Be patient and understanding as you navigate these aspects together.

• Biblical References:

  • "The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband." (1 Corinthians 7:3)

  • "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled." (Hebrews 13:4)

5. Spiritual Growth

• Practical Tips:

  • Pray together regularly as a couple.

  • Attend church and participate in small groups or Bible studies.

  • Encourage each other in personal devotions and scripture reading.

  • Discuss your spiritual goals and how to serve God as a couple.

• Biblical References:

  • "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

  • "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." (Hebrews 10:24)

6. Family and Roles

• Practical Tips:

  • Define your expectations for roles in marriage (e.g., household chores, career priorities).

  • Discuss how you will interact with extended family members.

  • Establish boundaries to protect your relationship from outside influences.

  • Plan for how you will approach parenting if children are in your future.

• Biblical References:

  • "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them." (Colossians 3:18-19)

  • "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him." (Psalm 127:3)

7. Shared Vision and Goals

• Practical Tips:

  • Discuss your dreams and ambitions for the future.

  • Align your short-term and long-term goals (e.g., career, family, travel).

  • Create a vision statement or mission for your marriage.

  • Review and adjust your goals regularly.

• Biblical References:

  • "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

  • "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor." (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

8. Health and Well-being

• Practical Tips:

  • Encourage each other to maintain healthy lifestyles (e.g., exercise, diet).

  • Support one another through illnesses or stress.

  • Prioritize mental health by seeking help when needed.

  • Take time to rest and enjoy leisure activities together.

• Biblical References:

  • "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit...?" (1 Corinthians 6:19)

  • "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

This premarital program provides a framework to build a strong and godly foundation for your marriage. Regularly revisit these topics and continue growing together in love and faith.