Day 5: Equality

Genesis 1:26-27

“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

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.’”

Proverbs 18:22

“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”

A Godly marriage is an equal partnership.

A woman who is wife material understands that her femininity is important to a healthy marriage. She is confident in who she is as a woman of God and accepts and appreciates her unique role in a marriage relationship. A man who is husband material understands that his wife is his life partner. She is not an obedient follower but an equal partner and a gift from God. He is confident in his role as a kind and gentle leader who must fully submit to God in order to lead well.

Men and women are so different–they have different characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. God’s perfect design for marriage brings the uniqueness of a man and the uniqueness of a woman together to become one. Men and women are both created in God’s image. And when they come together in marriage, they display the image of God more accurately than they can alone.

Unfortunately, the idea of marriage equality is not always realized in the world today. In some cultures, women are not seen as equal to men and are not given the same rights or protections. In other cases, couples may treat each other as equals in theory but not in practice. But regardless of the challenges, God's design for marriage remains the same. A husband and wife are to love and respect each other, working together to build a strong relationship based on equality. When couples strive to live out this design, they can experience the joy and blessings God intends for marriage.

While you’re preparing yourself for marriage and seeking to find a husband or wife who is marriage material, it’s essential to keep in mind God’s perfect design. A marriage is a commitment to equal love, respect, and submission to each other and God for the rest of your life. Being ready for marriage takes confidence in who you are as a man or woman of God. Here is a prayer to help you prepare yourself and find someone ready for marriage.

God,

I pray that you will prepare my heart for marriage. I want to be the best husband/wife I can be and honor my spouse with the love and respect he/she deserves.

I pray that you would make it clear to me whether or not someone is husband/wife material. Help me see the qualities and characteristics essential to a healthy, happy, holy marriage. And help me see the signs when someone is not ready for the commitment and responsibilities of a life-long partnership.

I trust your perfect design for marriage and your perfect timing. Help me remain focused on you while I find a partner to enjoy the beautiful convent of marriage with.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

This plan was provided by Upward an app made for Christian singles looking for meaningful relationships. Get the app here: https://dateupward.me/WifeHusbandMaterial