Marriage is one of the most beautiful gifts from God, a sacred covenant designed to reflect His love for us. As single Christians, the journey toward marriage can feel both exciting and daunting. How do you prepare yourself to build a strong, Christ-centered union with your future spouse? The truth is, preparation for marriage begins long before you say, “I do.” Here are 20 ways for Christians to prepare for marriage that will help you honor God, grow personally, and build a solid foundation for your future relationship.

1. Strengthen Your Relationship with God

Your walk with God is the most important relationship in your life. Use this season to deepen your prayer life, study the Word, and align your heart with God’s will. A strong relationship with God will anchor your marriage.

2. Understand Biblical Marriage

Take time to study what the Bible says about marriage. Look at passages like Ephesians 5:22-33 and 1 Corinthians 13. Understand God’s design for marriage as a partnership rooted in love, respect, and selflessness.

3. Pray for Your Future Spouse

Even if you don’t know who they are yet, pray for your future spouse. Pray for their faith, their health, and their growth in Christ. This habit will keep your heart focused on God’s timing.

4. Pursue Personal Growth

Marriage doesn’t solve personal struggles or insecurities. Take time to work on yourself, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. Seek counseling if needed and focus on becoming the best version of yourself.

5. Join a Faith-Based Community

Surround yourself with a supportive Christian community. Fellowship with other believers will encourage you in your journey, offer accountability, and provide opportunities for spiritual growth.

6. Cultivate Healthy Relationships

Learn how to build strong, healthy relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. The skills you develop now—like communication, empathy, and conflict resolution—will benefit your future marriage.

7. Seek Wisdom from Married Couples

Talk to trusted Christian couples who have built strong marriages. Ask about their challenges, lessons learned, and advice. Their insights can help you prepare for your own journey.

8. Serve Others

Marriage is about serving one another selflessly. Cultivate a servant’s heart by serving in your church, community, or through mission work. This practice will prepare you to prioritize your spouse’s needs in the future.

9. Develop Financial Stewardship

Learn to manage your finances wisely. Create a budget, save, and practice generosity. Financial stress is a common issue in marriage, so developing good habits now will set you up for success.

10. Set Healthy Boundaries

Practice setting and respecting boundaries in your current relationships. This will prepare you to maintain emotional and physical purity, honoring God and your future spouse.

11. Focus on Communication Skills

Good communication is essential for a strong marriage. Practice active listening, expressing yourself clearly, and resolving conflicts in a healthy way. These skills will serve you well in your future relationship.

12. Reflect on Your Expectations

Take time to evaluate your expectations for marriage. Are they realistic? Compare them with biblical principles and seek God’s guidance to align your desires with His plan.

13. Address Your Past

We all have baggage. Whether it’s unresolved hurt, past relationships, or family issues, take steps to address them now. Seek healing through prayer, counseling, or trusted mentors.

14. Learn About Compatibility

Compatibility goes beyond shared interests. Consider how your values, goals, and spiritual journeys align with a potential partner. Apps like SALT can help you connect with like-minded Christians who share your commitment to faith and marriage.

15. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude transforms your perspective and helps you appreciate the present season. Thank God for what He’s doing in your life now, and trust Him to provide in His perfect timing.

16. Understand the Role of Love and Sacrifice

Marriage is built on sacrificial love. Reflect on how Jesus loves the Church and how you can model that love in your relationships. Practice putting others first in your daily life.

17. Be Open to God’s Timing

Trusting God’s timing is essential. Instead of rushing the process, focus on becoming the person He’s called you to be. Remember, waiting isn’t wasted time when it’s in God’s hands.

18. Take Premarital Classes

Many churches offer premarital classes or counseling. Even if you’re single, consider attending to gain a better understanding of what a healthy, God-centered marriage entails. The Marriage Preparation Course created and run by Relationship Central is an amazing resource full of Godly wisdom and practical advice.

19. Pray About Dating

Approach dating prayerfully. Ask God to guide you to the right person and to protect your heart. Tools like the SALT dating app can be a great resource to meet other committed Christians who share your values.

20. Trust God’s Plan

Ultimately, preparing for marriage means trusting God’s plan for your life. Surrender your hopes and dreams to Him, and believe that He’s working all things together for your good.

Marriage preparation isn’t just about finding the right person—it’s about becoming the right person. By focusing on these 20 steps, you’re not only preparing for a future spouse but also deepening your relationship with God and becoming more like Christ. Trust Him in this season, and He will lead you in His perfect way.