Forgiveness can be one of the hardest things to do as a young female Christian, especially in courtship, relationships and other aspects in life! In Ephesians 4:31-32 (NKJV) it says “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Is it not mind blowing how your ability not to forgive your future spouse can lead to all these emotions stated in Ephesians?
We ought to be selfless when it comes to courting the Lord’s way. There are many occasions whereby you will feel hurt and disappointed by decisions or situations that you encounter during your courtship. But remember that this could be due to the devil stepping in to interfere and confuse your blessing. The devil hates any sort of institution ordained by Christ, and marriage is one of them. Continue to pray and fast for your future marriage, as this is the only way we can communicate with God through our joy and sadness.
One of the most important virtues in courtship should be humility! You might wonder why humility? Let me tell you a story which is such a coincidence. My lady pastor held a sermon at our church and the title of the message was ‘Humility attracts grace.‘ James 4:6 (NKJV) states: “But he gives more grace. Therefore he says: ‘God resists the proud , But gives grace to the humble.'” As young Christian couples preparing for a successful marriage, we simply need to walk according to God’s plan. She simply explained to us the reason why God has graced her with such a beautiful marriage is that she learned very early on in her marriage how to stay in humility! She said marriage is not always beautiful, but she prayed for wisdom and grace to carry on and that led her into being the wife of a noble character (Proverbs 31). She buried her pride and made sure to call upon the Lord in the midst of her flaws!
As young women of God we need to learn how to love, forgive and humble ourselves. Be humble enough to forgive your partners mistakes, but most importantly to admit to your mistakes and ask for forgiveness and to strive to overcome faults. Never blame your future spouse for their mistakes, this can lead to resentment and bitterness. Remember 1 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV) which speaks about love and says, “It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking it is not easily angered it keeps no record of wrongs.”
Dear Purpose Wife, have faith in God and know that He will grant you your heart’s desire! You may be going through a few difficult patches in your courtship, you might be dealing with so much pride in your heart whereby it is so difficult for you to admit when you are wrong! Open your heart and receive His Holy Spirit to lead you. Pray for a heart of flesh and remove from you a heart of stone. When you ever have difficulty forgiving, remember and pray the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-14, NKJV).
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
God bless,
NanaYaa Boakyewaa
Guest Writer
The Purpose Wife 