01/03/2025
Recognizing the Right Partner According to God’s Standards
In today’s world, many people choose a spouse based on emotions, financial status, or outward appearance. While these things can be important, God’s standards go deeper. A Godly partner should be someone who reflects Christ’s love, values, and purpose. So, how can you recognize the right person?
1. They Have a Genuine Relationship with God.
Lydia was excited when she met Tom. He was kind and respectful, but she noticed he had no real relationship with God. When she asked about his faith, he said he “believed in God” but didn’t see the need for prayer, church, or studying the Bible. Despite his good qualities, Lydia realized that without a shared faith, they wouldn’t be able to grow spiritually together.
A Godly partner should have a personal relationship with Christ, not just religious beliefs. Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” If a person does not prioritize God in their life, it will be difficult to build a marriage that honors Him.
2. They Exhibit Christ-like Character.
James admired Rachel’s beauty and intelligence, but over time, he noticed she was quick to anger, held grudges, and lacked kindness toward others. When he prayed for clarity, God reminded him of Galatians 5:22-23, which describes the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He realized that a beautiful face without a beautiful heart would not make for a Godly marriage.
Look beyond external qualities. Does the person exhibit patience, humility, kindness, and integrity? Proverbs 31:30 reminds us, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” The same applies to men—true strength comes from character, not appearance or wealth.
3. They Are Emotionally and Spiritually Mature.
Emily was dating Michael, who was fun-loving but avoided responsibility. He lacked self-control, refused to commit to anything serious, and had an unstable prayer life. Whenever they faced difficulties, he ignored the problems instead of handling them with wisdom. Emily realized that a man who is not emotionally or spiritually mature would struggle to lead a Christ-centered family.
A Godly spouse should be spiritually and emotionally mature—able to handle challenges, make wise decisions, and lead with faith. 1 Corinthians 13:11 says, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things.”
4. They Share Your Core Values and Vision.
Samuel and Hannah were in love, but they had very different visions for their future. Hannah felt called to ministry and missions, while Samuel wanted to live a comfortable life without any major sacrifices. Over time, Hannah realized that their callings were not aligned. Though it was painful, she let go of the relationship, trusting that God would bring her someone who shared her purpose.
Amos 3:3 asks, “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?” A strong marriage requires shared goals, values, and direction. If your partner does not support your God-given purpose, it may be a sign that they are not the right one for you.
5. They Are Willing to Love and Serve Like Christ.
John and Rebecca were engaged, but John noticed that Rebecca always demanded to be served instead of serving others. She rarely showed kindness and lacked humility. John realized that a marriage where one partner refuses to serve would lead to frustration and conflict. He prayed for guidance and eventually met someone whose heart reflected Christ’s love and service.
Ephesians 5:25 instructs, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” A Christ-centered marriage is built on sacrificial love, humility, and a willingness to serve each other selflessly.
6. They Handle Conflict in a Healthy, Godly Manner.
Samantha and her boyfriend, Eric, had disagreements like any couple. However, instead of communicating respectfully, Eric would shout, blame, and hold grudges for weeks. Samantha realized that unresolved conflicts could damage their future marriage. She prayed for wisdom and understood that a person who lacks self-control and forgiveness may struggle to build a strong marriage.
Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” A Godly partner should be willing to communicate with love, resolve conflicts in a mature way, and practice forgiveness.
Choosing God’s Best
Recognizing the right partner isn’t just about feelings—it’s about seeking God’s will and looking for a person whose heart aligns with His standards. When choosing a spouse, ask yourself:
✔️ Do they have a real relationship with God?
✔️ Do they reflect Christ’s character?
✔️ Are they emotionally and spiritually mature?
✔️ Do we share the same values and vision?
✔️ Are they willing to love and serve like Christ?
✔️ Can they handle conflict in a healthy, Godly way?
If the answer to these questions is yes, you may be looking at someone who could be God’s best for you. However, never rush the process—pray, seek counsel, and trust that God will reveal His will in His perfect timing.
In the final part of this series, we will discuss how to wait on God’s perfect timing and prepare yourself to be the right partner for the marriage He has planned for you. Stay tuned!
