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Singles hang their
readiness for marriage on many things. Some of them are: both parties
having good certificates, both parties having lucrative job,
availability of minimal possessions like house, car etc., favourable
result on AIDS and Genotypes tests, both parties going to church etc.
All these are good but they lack power to sustain marriage on the rough
road to success. The only thing that singles in courtship should be
sure of before they go to the altar is the genuineness of their love to
each other. This must be well tested andconviction obtained before going to the altar.
DETERMINANTS OF GENUINE LOVE
Genuine love that can sustain marriage in the series
of storms that the couples will face must pass the following tests:
1. Test of Forgiveness.
Those with genuine love forgive others always no matter the sin
committed against them. This reduces unnecessary tension and bitterness
which destroy marriage relationship easily.
2. Test of Care.
Those with genuine love care for the welfare of others. They stay with
others in sickness, in distress, in failure and other negative
situation in life. This will make the road smooth for them when they
marry and they will possess dynamic power to get over their marital
problems.
3. Test of Forbearance.
Those with genuine love are not aggressive to others. They are not
easily provoked. They bear with mistakes and weaknesses of others. This
keeps couples together no matter their mistakes and weaknesses.
4. Test of Giving.
Those with genuine love give sacrificially without any condition. They
are ready to share even the most precious things they have with others.
Marriage is sharing. Two liberal givers make a successful marriage.
5. Test of Concession.
Those with genuine love concede for others. No man is always right.
Marriage is a union of concession. This will help couples to meet at
a mutually agreed point.
6. Test of Compassion. Those with genuine love are compassionate. This keeps the couples together in sickness, distress and other adverse situations.
7. Test of Spirituality.
Those with genuine love are well rooted in God. Anyone without proper
relationship with God cannot possess love that can sustain the heat of
marriage.
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