Exposition:

Marriage is for mature minds who are able to form a separate family unit. Although we cannot be specific as to what age one can marry, marriage is not for minors as one needs to be physically mature to take decisions needed to make the marriage work. Physical readiness is critical when preparing to marry. We must earn a living to support the home.

According to 1 Tim 5:8, a believer should be able to provide for his household. Therefore, as we prepare to get married, we must be engaged in an activity that provides us with streams of income to be able to provide for the needs of the home. Remember the saying, “I love you” alone does not put food on the table but, hard work and diligence do. Our inability to provide for our own household makes us worse than unbelievers (1 Tim 5:8) and brings undue financial pressure on the family.

Also, one can be tested to be physically ready for marriage if he/she can perform basic house chores. It is important to learn things like cleaning the house, cooking for the children, carrying on obligations as husband/wife, and managing a budget. There is a saying that” the way to a man’s heart is through the stomach” so as young ladies preparing to marry, the need to learn house chores cannot be underestimated.

As a Christian youth preparing to get married, too, it is important to read Christian literature on marriage to get sufficient information to make the marriage an enjoyable one. As we read, we get enlightened on the traits and needs of the opposite sex. Finally, as prospective couples, we are encouraged to conduct essential medical tests before marriage to assess our health status. Some of these tests include Hepatitis B and C, HIV, Genotype and Rhesus factor.