The Course I’d Study with a Scholarship: LOH 257

 For a long while now, I have been very much interested in marriages, and when I see the rate at which divorce and separation are rampant, even domestic violence leading to the death of one of the partners, it saddens me. I feel happy when I see old couples still loving themselves and celebrating more than 60, 70 years above anniversaries, it makes me ask, how did they go through those years together? Because the truth is that, there will be some days of misunderstandings, challenges and issues that arise in marriage and not the one you’d see newly wedded couples already having issues in their first few months and before you know what's happening, they think divorce is the only option and that’s not what God intends for us. I used to pray for such a kind of home where we understood ourselves, and when conflicts arose, we could sail through them together with God's help. What if I am given a free scholarship to study anything I want? Believe me, I would choose studying **Christian Marriage Counselling.** I am so fascinated by Christian marriages today where some who truly laid the foundation on Christ still stand strong and firm. If there would be a successful marriage, then both partners must become one while standing firm and built up in Christ. During my degree studies, I studied Guidance and Counselling, which definitely would give me an edge to study this course, so I could become a marriage counsellor where I could give godly counsel to young couples who truly want to have a successful married life built on Christ. Marriage is an institution from God, and those going into it must understand that God is the only originator and manufacturer who can give the roadmap to living a successful marriage, and not copy or listen to the world’s standard, principles, philosophies and ideologies of marriage. The major causes of divorce and issues in marriages today are that many couples don’t ask for the right partner for them, and so they jump into it due to pressure and the belief from the world, and so, they don’t want to be left out or think time is not on their side. As a result of this, they tie the knot to the wrong partner, and one thing I have understood about marriage is that when we don’t seek the right partner from God, we miss out on a wonderful relationship and marriage.  The recent marriage seminar I attended opened my eyes to knowing more about the need to always seek the will of God as true believers. There were instances in the Bible that we must admire their marriage life and only make the Word of God the only standard for living a fruitful marriage life, rather than accepting the world’s kind of marriage that doesn't last. Going for this study would open the possibility of learning how to apply biblical principles and teachings to marital relationships and would learn topics like how to handle conflicts as partners, having the right communication skills and deepening spiritual intimacy between spouses. The Bible is a complete guide to all issues of life including marriage. This study would allow me the knowledge of how to counsel intending couples through premarital counselling on how to discover biblical truths for themselves, promoting understanding and personal growth. They each must have an understanding of who they are in Christ and learn to accept themselves in love. Seriously, the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 13 is a guide to knowing what love is and other scriptures from Ephesians, Hebrews, etc. With this study, I would counsel young couples on how to always refer to the Bible and God to enjoy their journey together rather than going in the world’s way. I would be happy walking on this path and shining the light on Christian homes. --- _{*Images Credit to Chatgpt*}