I watched him wander over to the other preschoolers on the playground. That’s the same little girl who refused to play with him yesterday. The thought made me want to swoop in to the rescue before he ventured back to the same situation. But I knew this was a chance for him to grow and learn more about navigating relationships.
My son is a people-person, no doubt about it. But building relationships can be hard at any age. It was strange to think that one day he would meet someone and make the most crucial choice of all. He would ask her to be his bride. He was only five at the time. He wouldn’t be thinking about marriage for many years! But I knew God “ordered his steps.” (Psalm 37:23) I also knew the importance of praying for him to meet a godly wife one day.
I remember that day, a short 12 years ago. I can still see him standing on the playground–compassionate, forgiving. Now here we are, about to watch our 17-year-old waltz into adulthood. And with that come the challenges of girlfriends and dating. So recently I’ve asked myself this question. What do I consider the qualities of a godly wife?
I don’t want to be the kind of person who puts unrealistic expectations on her son or future daughter-in-law. None of us are perfect, after all. But God’s Word gives us clear guidelines on the traits that will help both my son and his wife to have a happy, blessed marriage.
“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3 NLT).
In his letter to Ephesus, Paul encouraged the church to walk in a manner worthy of their calling. Paul also referred to the church as the bride of Christ in 2 Corinthians 11:2: “… I promised you as a pure bride to one husband – Christ.”
Just as we should display humility, gentleness, and patience with one another as Christ’s bride, these same qualities can create a foundation for a healthy marriage. We can look to these verses as a guide in praying for our sons. Will you join me?
We want the best for them and their future spouses. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit-inspired words in Ephesians to guide us as we pray for our sons to meet a godly wife.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for my son. Thank you for the good plans you have for him and his future. You “knitted him together” and created him for a special purpose. I know you have also created someone who he will one day choose to marry. I pray that as He keeps his eyes focused on You, he will be drawn to her godly qualities. Your Word tells us in Ephesians 4:2, “Always be humble and gentle.” I pray my son will meet a woman who shows true humility and treats others with a gentle kindness that is “evident to all.” (Philippians 4:5)
I pray she will be someone who supports him and encourages him to seek more of You. As they get to know each other, help them both to be patient. And because of their love, help them to “make allowance for each other’s faults” while inspiring each other to become more like Christ. (Ephesians 4:2) Guide and direct them Lord, while they wait on Your perfect timing for marriage.
Above all, I pray they will “make every effort to keep themselves united in the Spirit, binding themselves together with peace.” (Ephesians 4:3) I pray they will allow the peace of Jesus to wrap around them and comfort them during difficult times. Thank you in advance for the wonderful, godly wife my son will meet one day. May they have unspeakable joy in their relationship, and may their marriage bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
[written by Kristine Brown, a lady passionate about God’s word]
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