What difference does faith make to a marriage?

Finding a life partner (spouse) is one of the most important decisions we will make, so it’s crucial to make the right choice. And when we are on the verge of a major life transition such as marriage, we begin to think about life, love, values…and the future. Faith is a key part of most people's lives, so it’s not surprising that religious beliefs can be a major factor in a relationship. To a great extent this is what spirituality is about – our human search for happiness and the meaning of life. Is life just about the here and now? Do morals make any difference? Is death really the end? Is there a reason to live beyond my own comfort? Is that all there is?

It is easier for most of us to put off these heavy questions for a rainy day when things in our lives settle down – whatever they maybe. Whether we address them or not, however, the big life issues will not disappear. They may go underground until a crisis appears – an accident, death of a loved one, serious illness, or a looming divorce. All of a sudden, we start wondering what the rock on which we ground our live on. That’s the way some of us discover our spiritual sides, but we don’t have to wait for a crisis. It’s so much easier to let faith keep our relationship strong, rather than rescue you in an emergency.

What difference does #faith make to a #marriage? The time before marriage is an opportunity to take stock of your basic beliefs. Share them with your beloved and chart how you will live out your beliefs and values together. There are certain values that people of particular faiths consider to be of utmost importance. These beliefs are the cornerstones by which many live by, so to find a partner who shares those values will make our lives much easier, rather than arguing about conflicting ideas.

Having a common ground, shared value, similar interests, hobbies that couples enjoy and shared dedication to faith are factors in a successful relationship. A relationship, especially marriage, doesn’t just affect two people; it also involves our immediate and extended families. These people as well as the new person we are bringing to the family would be in our lives as long as we live – at least we hope they will. Therefore, I think, it’s vital to choose a partner who will also fit in our family. If we consider respecting elders is important, we will want someone who agrees with us. #Sharing the same faith will help our partner and our families get along, and the same goes for us and their family.

But, does this mean we have to share the same faith? That would be wonderful, but it’s more important to talk about what #God means to each of us, what #spiritual practices we find meaningful, and how we can support each other once we are married. If only one spouse believes that faith is important and the other doesn't it is going to cause problem. If our relationship with Christ was so much a part of who we are then it would be hard not to share it with our beloved. If our faith in God is the springboard from which we want to make all our choices and decisions, it is hard to be married to someone who does not feel that way. I believe, Faith, belief in the judgment and authority of a higher power, can have a powerful positive influence on the marital bond. In part, faith has this power because belief in God often also means a belief in sacredness of marriage

#Religion can bring #spouses together or push them apart. I am not saying being from different religion or being a non-believer by itself would predict marital instability but it definitely would create one more huddle for the couple to deal with. .The solutions to these dilemmas are as unique as the couples who marry so at the end of the day, the situation should be looked at on individual cases. Good luck and may the Lord light your way while you take this major and life changing journey.