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Marriage Prep

Searching for a ‘Sole’ Mate

Our culture has embraced the absurd notion that there is just one person who can ‘complete us.’

Spiritual Red Flags

Divorce If your friend was married before, it’s vital to consider what happened in that former relationship and what factors were involved that caused the commitment to be broken. Society views remarriage as a given, but the Bible speaks to this important issue. Focus on the Family believes that Scripture addresses three specific situations in …

woman in white shirt standing in field smiling

How Content Are You As a Single?

If you experienced a low level of contentment as a single, expecting marriage to propel you to marital bliss probably won’t happen.

A couple sitting apart on a couch with their arms crossed and looking away from each other, representing a moment of disagreement. This scene can symbolize how healthy conflict in marriage requires space and time for both partners to reflect on their feelings.

Emotional Red Flags

Angry I’m not talking about one’s ability to experience the feeling of anger; all of us should be able to identify that God-given emotion in our lives. I’m talking primarily about frozen anger — resentment. When we hold on to anger and don’t address it, bad things often happen. There may be issues about unforgiveness in …

A young couple bring boxes in to an empty apartment. The stand in the doorway with looks of doubt, uncertainty and questioning on their faces. Many people mistakenly believe that living together is an effective way to test a potential marriage. But is cohabitation really a smart move?

Does Living Together Build a Stronger Marriage?

Many people mistakenly believe that living together is an effective way to test a potential marriage. But is cohabitation really a smart move for couples interested in a healthy, lasting marriage?

A young woman embraces her mother in the left foreground as her husband shakes hands with her father in the background. The husband has two suitcases, suggesting the woman is leaving home. A thriving marriage only works when both husband and wife leave home and cleave to each other in numerous ways.

Marriage Means Leaving Home and Cleaving to Each Other

A thriving marriage only works when both husband and wife leave home and cleave to each other. They must be prepared to do so in various ways.

A male and female couple walk hand-in-hand into an orange sunset. Soul mates are not mentioned in the Bible, but the bible offers all kinds of advice on how to build a lasting relationship with your spouse.

Soul Mates: What Does the Bible Say About Discovering Love?

The term “soul mate” does not appear in the Bible. However, the Bible does provide us with plenty of guidance to help us form lasting relationships.

A young groom sits near a window contemplating his future. Don't completely ignore wedding day second thoughts.

Wedding Day Second Thoughts

At least one of the purposes of your engagement season is to make sure you’ve made the right decision.

A young man proposes to a woman on a dock on a lake in the mountains. Are you ready to wed?

Are You Ready to Wed?

How will I know that I’m ready to wed? Dr. Greg Smalley is often asked this question by engaged couples, so he offers his personal insights on how couples can better understand love.

A man places the ring on a finger of his bride at their. There is much power in the marriage vows.

Living Together but Not Married? Consider the Power of the Vow

A marriage vow is a special and powerful promise — and we need it for many reasons. If you’re living together but you’re not married yet, consider the power of the vow.

A man and a woman are standing together at their wedding. The woman is wearing a floral headpiece and a white dress, while the man is dressed in a dark suit.

5 Traditional Marriage Vows: What They Mean and Why They’re Still Important

There’s a reason traditional marriage vows have endured for centuries.

A newlywed bride walks through a field of purple wild flowers. Here are 12 pieces of advice the author would share with her newlywed self.

12 Pieces of Advice I’d Tell Newlywed Me

For my 12 year anniversary, I’ve highlighted 12 pieces of newlywed advice I wish I could share with the newlywed version of myself.

A couple sits with a marriage counselor to learn the keys to a successful second marriage.

How We Built a Successful Second Marriage

Statistics doom second marriages like Jerry and Kelly’s. Seeking premarital guidance from a Christian counseling ministry was the logical choice to proactively protect their marriage.

A couple with three kids from a blended stepfamily after remarriage navigate crossing a creek by stepping over rocks.

Is Remarriage Right for You and Your Future Stepfamily?

Understanding the challenges of stepfamily living can help you make an informed decision about remarriage.

Husband and wife holding hands

Avoiding Threats to Your Relationship

There are a lot of problems that can cripple or fatally wound a marriage, whether it’s just starting or yet to come.

A young married couple celebrates their wedding. Studies show the best age to marry is between the lower to mid 20s.

What Is The Best Age To Get Married?

There is not a great wealth of research on the best age to marry, but there is some good data that can be helpful.

A couple holding hands on their wedding day.

Are You Planning for a Marriage or Just Your Wedding?

Planning for “the day” or for a lifetime? Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley discuss the benefits of preparing for marriage and the beauty of God’s design for marriage.

An angry young couple sit on a couch engaged in a heated argument.

What Does the Bible Say about Fighting in Marriage?

It’s normal to have conflict — and it’s unavoidable. According to the Bible, what matters most is how you handle the fighting in your marriage.

A couple who were just married stand amidst fireworks on their wedding night.

Prep for the Wedding Night

A little preparation before the wedding will go a long way.

photo of two wedding rings standing in the rain with industrial lighting. Know the truth about your spouse.

The Truth About Your Spouse

Whether you are searching, dating, engaged, or newly married, there are some truths you need to know about your future or current spouse.