Selection of the Right Marriage Partner!

When a boy meets a girl or vice versa, what makes them click? At first it might be the attractive looks or the way that person interacts or jokes. Sometimes one falls in love with the other person out of sheer pity. That person may come with a sob story of how no one likes him/her and this person might tell of how rejected he/she feels.

My dear youth, if ever anyone of you is going to select your future partner out of pure sympathy, or simply for the attractive looks, please think twice. A real man or woman will never use manipulative tactics to win someone's heart. Looks will change, beauty will fade and most importantly, sympathy will never stay.

What then should you look for in your future partner? Simple, look for the characteristics of Christ, His fruit. What is His fruit? Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control. The greatest of these is love. Unconditional love.

There may be boys and girls, knowing that you only desire someone who is a Christian, who may go with you to church and try to be 'holy' like you. Here you need the Holy Spirit's discernment. Do not fall for such persons immediately. Those who do not have a genuine relationship with Christ will be exposed soon by their very own behaviour.

Pray and build your relationship with Christ then the right partner who also has a deep relationship with Christ will find you in Him! Then your relationship which is founded on Christ Jesus the rock, will stand strong and firm through all stormy weathers. Then you will see each other with the eyes of Christ, hear and understand each other with the heart of Christ and forgive each other every time a quarrel occurs and love each other unconditionally. It may take time, a life time to understand each other, but with Christ you will be able to do it. All because you derive the strength from Him!

May God bless you and enable you to choose wisely!

Mary Augustine