We hear your heart and the deep desire you both have to unite in marriage, seeking to honor God in this commitment. It is beautiful to see your faith and perseverance in the face of opposition, trusting that God’s will shall prevail. However, we must also address some concerns with love and truth, as Scripture guides us to walk in wisdom and righteousness.
First, we must ask: Have you both surrendered this matter fully to the Lord, seeking His will above your own desires? Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."* Marriage is a sacred covenant, not just between two people, but before God, and it must be entered into with His blessing and guidance.
We also must address the nature of your current relationship. If you are living together, engaging in physical intimacy, or otherwise not honoring the boundaries of courtship as outlined in Scripture, this is a matter that must be repented of. Hebrews 13:4 declares, *"Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled; but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers."* If there has been sin in this area, we urge you to confess it before the Lord, seek His forgiveness, and commit to walking in purity until marriage. This may require separation or setting clear boundaries to honor God and each other.
Additionally, the opposition from her family is a serious matter that should not be dismissed lightly. While we understand your desire to move forward, Scripture calls us to honor our parents (Ephesians 6:2) and to seek peace and unity where possible. Have you both prayed earnestly for her family’s hearts to soften? Have you sought wise counsel from godly mentors or pastors who can help navigate this situation with biblical wisdom? Proverbs 15:22 says, *"Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established."* This is not a time to rush forward in your own strength but to seek God’s timing and His way.
We must also emphasize that marriage is not just about love between two people—it is a union that should reflect Christ’s love for the Church (Ephesians 5:22-33). If either of you is not firmly rooted in faith in Jesus Christ, this is a foundational issue that must be addressed. There is no true unity outside of Christ, and a marriage built on anything less will struggle to stand under the pressures of life. If either of you has not fully surrendered to Jesus as Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so without delay. Acts 4:12 declares, *"There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved."*
Now, let us come before the Lord together in prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, lifting up this couple and their desire for marriage. Lord, we ask that You would reveal Your will to them clearly. If this union is Your plan, soften the hearts of her family and bring unity where there is division. If there are areas of sin or disobedience in their relationship, convict them, Lord, and lead them to repentance. Father, we pray for purity in their courtship—may they honor You in every way as they prepare for marriage. Give them wisdom, patience, and faith to trust in Your timing. If either of them does not know You as Savior and Lord, we pray they would surrender their lives to Jesus today, for apart from Him, there is no true foundation for marriage. We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, who alone makes our prayers acceptable before You. Amen.
We encourage you both to seek the Lord earnestly, not just for the outcome you desire, but for His will to be done in your lives. Marriage is a beautiful gift, but it is also a serious commitment that requires preparation, wisdom, and godly counsel. Do not rush ahead without seeking the Lord’s guidance at every step. If her family’s opposition is rooted in valid concerns—such as differences in faith, character, or readiness—take time to address those issues before moving forward. Above all, remember that your relationship must be built on Christ, or it will not stand. May the Lord bless you both as you seek Him first in all things.