As Christian parents, watching your child prepare for marriage can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking. After all, in today’s world, the sanctity of marriage is often attacked. The vows made at the altar—“till death do us part”—are generally viewed more as aspirational than a solemn promise.

The early years of marriage can be particularly challenging, often filled with communication hurdles, financial disagreements, and clashing expectations. As parents, you have the unique opportunity to guide your children towards a Christ-centered union that can weather all storms. Here are eight key considerations to help your child navigate the path to a strong and healthy marriage:

1. Is the potential spouse a believer in Jesus Christ?
   This is perhaps the most crucial consideration. Remember 2 Corinthians 6:14 warns us not to be “unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” A shared faith in Christ is absolutely foundational. This isn’t just about attending church together - you want your child’s spouse to be committed to growing in the faith and obeying the Lord in their everyday life.
   

2. Are their values rooted in Scripture?
   While shared values like honesty and service are important, the foundation of these values should be built on the Word of God. Ensure that the prospective spouse’s values align with biblical teachings rather than merely conforming to popular ‘worldly wisdom’. Relationships built on the strong foundation of Scripture are better equipped to face life's trials and triumphs.
   

3. Are they ready for marriage?
   This is an often overlooked question - marriage isn't just about love or right timing; it's also about commitment, and this requires both partners to be emotionally and spiritually mature. Encourage frank discussions about their understanding of, and commitment to, God's design for marriage. Are they both committed to being together “as long as they live” (Matthew 19:6; 1 Corinthians 7:39)?
   

4. What does their family background and support system look like?
   A robust network of believing friends and a healthy family background can significantly impact the success of a marriage. Understand your child’s partner’s support system and family dynamics. Your child may need to navigate with wisdom the complexities introduced by their spouse's extended family, so ensuring a supportive and healthy environment is vital.
   

5. Have they invested in premarital counseling?
   Premarital counseling helps couples start their marriage on the right foot, offering tools to address potential issues. Encourage your child and their would-be spouse to seek out a qualified Christian counselor to guide them through this essential process. This investment can equip them with skills to handle issues before they arise.
   

6. How do they envision their marital roles?
   Open and honest discussions about roles and expectations cannot be emphasized enough. From daily routines to major life decisions, clarity is key. Encourage your child to engage in these discussions with flexibility, but ensure that both partners have a clear understanding of expectations regarding careers, in-law relationships, household responsibilities, and other aspects of married life. In a world that often misunderstands biblical marriage, it's crucial that the newlyweds have a clear, scripturally-based understanding of their roles and how they’ll live out Colossians 3:18-19 and Ephesians 5:21-33, balancing love, respect, and submission in Christ.
   

7. Money matters matter.
   Money is important to a marriage—not just in having it, but in how it's viewed and managed. The couple must view finances through a biblical lens. As 1 Timothy 6:10 warns, "… the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." Money-related issues can strain or even break a marriage. In a Christ-centered marriage, money should be seen as a shared resource for the family, not as a tool for unilateral control. Whether it's the husband who primarily "brings home the bacon" or both spouses contributing financially, openness and joint decision-making are needed. This means fostering an attitude that says, "what's mine is ours.”

   So while financial stability is important, it's the couple's attitude toward money that often determines marital success. Remember, all resources ultimately belong to God—we're merely stewards. A family not enslaved by the love of money is better equipped to face life's inevitable curveballs with faith and resilience.
   

8. What's their vision for raising children?
   If children are part of their future, alignment on biblical parenting principles must also be evaluated. They must be on the same page about impressing God's commandments on their children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7), the importance of family worship/altar, Christian education, modeling a Christ-centered life, and so on.

   Remember, the children God places under our care are His, and we, as parents are mere caretakers. It’s important that we train them up in the way they should go so that they become warriors for the Lord (Psalm 127:4-5).

As Christian parents, you have an important role to play in this season. By prayerfully considering these points with your child, you're helping to build a family that stands as a beacon of His love in a world that desperately needs it.