Building a Foundation that Lasts: Why Premarital Counseling Matters
We all know of marriages that seem bulletproof…and others that are hanging on by a string. Why is that? I believe one reason is many young people fail to set themselves up for a successful marriage. Instead, they spend countless hours (and dollars) preparing for the “big day,” but beyond that, they aren’t quite sure what a healthy marriage relationship should look like. Perhaps they come from a broken home. Perhaps they never thought about what their role and responsibility is in this lifelong partnership. This is where premarital counseling comes in. It is a vital step toward a lasting, Christ-honoring relationship.
Premarital counseling is not just for couples who are unsure or facing conflict. It’s for anyone who wants to build a strong, Christ-centered foundation before saying “I do.” It’s an opportunity to talk through things such as: conflict resolution, finances, intimacy, family dynamics, faith, and expectations in a variety of areas. These conversations can reveal strengths and expose areas of weakness. Premarital counseling helps couples gain wisdom and insight before they face the inevitable challenges within marriage.
Like building a house, a strong marriage is built on a firm foundation. In Matthew 7:24–25, Jesus says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Counseling helps couples build that foundation not on fleeting emotion or surface-level compatibility, but on truth, grace, and shared purpose.
When couples seek guidance, they demonstrate humility and a willingness to grow. That attitude sets the tone for a healthy marriage, which reflects His design and grace.
If you are getting married anytime within the next year, take the time to invest in premarital counseling. You’re not just preparing for a wedding; you’re preparing for a marriage which is a lifelong journey- filled with excitement and joy… and with a healthy dose of humility.
Written by Tom Galati, Board Member
