“If you feel that you are ready to ask for someone’s hand in marriage, your friends and family better be on board.”
Moving from dating to engagement is a big step. You might feel prepared to take it, but here’s a question to consider first: Do you have the support of your loved ones?
Dr. Greg Smalley’s daughter Taylor is in a very serious relationship. Her boyfriend Caleb approached Greg asking if they can talk about engagement. Greg asked for his father’s number, so they could talk father-to-father. Greg wouldn’t give his blessing for the engagement until the two of them were able to connect, and agree.
“I said, ‘I have never met your parents, I’d love to talk to them because I can’t give you my blessing until I know that your mom and dad give you theirs, and they’ve had time to [meet] Taylor.”
When we move forward without seeking the input of our close friends and family, we’re showing a lack of maturity and a lack of perspective. When we allow others to ask hard questions for the sake of wisdom and discernment, it stretches our maturity and gives God room to move in the process.
For someone in a serious relationship, the decision to get engaged is a hugely significant one. Here are a few things to consider:
• Have you spent considerable time praying first and foremost seeking God’s desire around this decision?
• Do you feel God’s peace in the process and with the end result?
• Do your loved ones agree?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, you may want to reconsider what you’re planning. Greg’s words are a bit stronger.
“If your friends and family do not support this, you have no business getting engaged.”
Key Scriptures: James 1:5; Proverbs 15:22; 2 Corinthians 6:14
Featured Songs: Trust in You by Lauren Daigle; Deeper by Meredith Andrews; Feel It by Toby Mac
