THE COMPATIBLE SPOUSE

BY ANGELA O. MUSA Marriage is an ordained institution from God, the only institution without graduation. Many marriages are shaking today because of incompatibility. That someone is born again doesn't make the person a compatible spouse with you. The bible says in Genesis 2:18 ‘It is not good for man to live alone, I will make a suitable companion to help him’’ (Good news bible). So, when God gives you his will in marriage there should be compatibility, and the woman should be a helpmeet to you. With harmony in marriage, you can achieve far more as a couple than as individuals. The bible says, one will chase a thousand but two will chase ten thousand. Research also has shown that one can live longer when he or she is married to the right person than not being married. Hints for a successful marriage Maturity Marriage is not for babies, the both spouse should be spiritually and emotionally matured to be able to handle the issues that arise in marriage. Remember, it is two different persons from different background. The Will of God It is essential to seek the face of God in choosing a life partner, and the person should be in the same faith with you. Many people will always have qualities they want to see in their spouse to be, hence, when they see such qualities in any opposite sex, they jump into conclusion without putting the will of God into consideration. Love The person should be attractive to you, but you should be careful not to replace love with mere feeling. Millions of songs have been written about this passionate feelings, yet few people understand that even in a perfect marriage the feeling of love can rise and fall, therefore we should not be a slave to our feelings. ‘Love is not just emotion, it is a decision. All love that is pure and magical moves beyond the physical to the spiritual’ Willie Jolley Some times I wonder how blissful a marriage could be where the three major types of love are present: Agape (love of God) Phileos (Love between friends / Brotherly Love) Eros (Romantic type of love) It will be Heaven on earth Temperament: understanding your temperament which determines how you behave can help you to work on your weaknesses and understand your spouse better. ‘Sanguines, who tend to be disorganized and undiscipline, are apt to admire the careful, consistent, and detail-conscious melancholies, while the hard - driving choleric is often attracted to a peaceful, unexcited Phlegmatic, who in turn admires Rocky’s dynamic drive Read “Why you Act the way you do” by Tim Lahaye. Other area to consider are: Character, trust, value system , Goals, Vision, etc. In conclusion When marriage is build on a solid foundation and there is compatibility, The couple will be ten times stronger, healthier, hollier, wealthier in knowledge and resources. There will be maximum enjoyment, continued peace, Continued partnership and companionship.