Man or woman enough for marriage?

I was inspired by a sermon titled “Man or Woman Enough” delivered by my Senior Pastor, Bishop Darlingston Johnson. Recognizing the significance of his message, I felt compelled to share it in a different format through this blog. He initiated his sermon by delving into the concept of transitioning from a boy to a man and from a girl to a woman. Now, let’s explore it together!

The transition: from Girl to woman/ from boy to man.
Transitioning from childishness to true manhood involves shedding self-centeredness and embracing selflessness. Men are called to sacrificially lay down their lives for their wives and children, providing for their needs, protecting them, and fighting for their family’s well-being. With great authority comes the power to bless or hurt, and the destiny of a nation rests in the hands of responsible men, not boys.

THE ROLE OF WOMEN BESIDE MEN
Women play a crucial role in encouraging men to fulfill their God-given potential, rather than merely pointing out their faults.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF AN ABSENT FATHER
The absence of positive male role models contributes to societal issues like crime, domestic violence, incarceration, divorce, drug abuse, and dysfunctional families, highlighting the importance of men stepping up to their roles as leaders and providers. Manhood encompasses qualities such as maturity, strength, courage, responsibility, and integrity, as well as the willingness to make sacrifices daily.

THE IMPORTANCE OF WISDOM FOR A SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE
Wisdom and understanding are essential for a successful marriage, and they are rooted in God’s Word. True wisdom is exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, serving as a guide for navigating relationships and life’s challenges.

KEY TO RESOLVING MARITAL ISSUES: GROW UP
After counseling countless couples for three decades, Pastor Rick Warren distilled the key to resolving marital issues into two words: “GROW UP.” Through his extensive experience, he discovered that the root problem often lay in one or both partners refusing to mature. To foster a thriving marriage, maturity is imperative.

MATURITY IN MARRIAGE
Marriage isn’t for the immature; it requires individuals to approach it with maturity and readiness. Maturity isn’t merely determined by age or physical appearance; it encompasses emotional and spiritual intelligence. Emotional intelligence, particularly, plays a crucial role in handling marital challenges.
Children exhibit low emotional intelligence, whereas mature adults possess the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions effectively. Hence, before embarking on marriage or while navigating an existing one, individuals must evaluate their emotional and spiritual maturity.

You need Maturity to:
Choose your life partner
Choosing a life partner involves considering more than just outward appearances; it entails assessing psychological, social, and spiritual compatibility. Just as one scrutinizes an airplane’s internal mechanisms before boarding, it’s essential to examine the internal qualities of a potential spouse. Marriage demands selflessness, responsibility, and the willingness to change and grow.

In conclusion, Immaturity manifests in self-centeredness, blame-shifting, and an aversion to responsibility. However, it’s possible to cultivate maturity through introspection, repentance, and adopting Christ-like attributes of humility and selflessness. Letting life abundant flow through you. With Jesus as an example and source of strength, individuals can transform their thinking, behavior, and approach to marriage, striving to emulate His selflessness and willingness to serve.