If your partner is in Christ, there is a second element to examine: the status of the parents (1) and the parental blessing (2). Every child is influenced by six people: their two parents and their four grandparents.

Knowing your partner’s parents and their status in Christ allows you to anticipate the spiritual battles you will face in your future marriage so that you will not be shaken. Your partner may be saved, but one of their parents could be a direct servant of Satan. That is a negative force that will greatly influence your marriage. It is not a requirement that their parents be saved, but the Bible declares: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” (Acts 16:31). If your partner is saved, he or she will fight for the salvation of their family.

The second element, which is a requirement, is the blessing of the parents. Except in exceptional cases, do not get married without the approval and blessing of both your parents and theirs. You must have this double blessing, because God has placed power in every authority:

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” (Proverbs 21:1)

Some blessings you need for success are in the hands of parents—your own or those of your future spouse. Your partner’s parents are kings and queens. They have authority over their children. It is a divine gift. Receiving their blessing is receiving God’s blessing.

Even more, it is a divine commandment to honor your parents:

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (Ephesians 6:1)

Sometimes God’s answer—His opinion about your marriage—is found in the words of your parents. If your parents refuse, it may be an indication that you are not ready. Their refusal or warning may also signal that the person you want to marry is not meant for you. He or she may ruin or destroy you. This is the time to pray more and ask for discernment and God’s will.

This text is an excerpt from the book “How to Know Who to Marry? For Young Singles” written by Jean-Paul Marie (Pastor Samuel Binyou).

We invite you to read the next article: “The ‘C’ Checks.”

PARENTAL BLESSING. PARENTAL BLESSING.