How do I know when I have found the person that God wants me to marry?

Choosing a life partner is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. You will want to think carefully and pray about it. It’s also a good thing to listen and talk with family and other people you trust who have experience and understanding.

As your relationship deepens with the person you think might be “the one,” there are some important questions you should ask yourself:

Does this person share my commitment to Jesus Christ and the values that I hold?

Do we have a shared vision for the future?

Do we have a strong friendship that can grow across a lifetime?

Does this person treat me and others with love and respect?

Do our families and others who know us well support this relationship?

Do we have the skills we need to communicate, to deal with differences, to resolve problems so the needs of both are met, and to handle anger when it arises?

Are we committed to supporting one another and growing together in our marriage?

If you can answer “yes” to all these questions, this is a relationship that is worth pursuing.

As you approach marriage, you will want to talk to your pastor or a counselor about premarital preparation. The church recommends 10-12 hours of premarital guidance, six to eight months prior to the wedding. This time together will provide an experience of dialogue and skill-building that can start your marriage off on a journey that will last a lifetime. (Excerpt from www.letstalk.adventist.org Q&A on Relationships by Pr. Jan Paulsen)