Whom Shall I Marry? A Guide to Finding the Right Partner for Life, by Luis Palau

Luis Palau, a world-renowned evangelist and author, has spent a lifetime counseling couples on the topic of marriage. In his book, Whom Shall I Marry?, he shares his wisdom and insights on how to find the right partner for life.

Palau believes that marriage is a gift from God, and he emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance when making this important decision. He writes, "Marriage is a lifelong commitment, and it is important to make sure that you are marrying the right person. This means finding someone who shares your values, goals, and dreams."

Palau offers a number of practical tips for finding the right partner, including:

• Pray about it. Ask God for guidance and wisdom in your search for a partner.
• Get to know yourself. What are your values, goals, and dreams? What kind of person are you looking for in a partner?
• Look for someone who shares your faith. If you are a Christian, it is important to find a partner who shares your faith. This will help you build a strong foundation for your marriage.
• Don't be afraid to date. The more people you date, the more likely you are to find someone who is a good fit for you.
• Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right about a relationship, it is probably best to end it.

Palau also warns against some of the common mistakes people make when looking for a partner. These mistakes include:

• Being too picky. Don't expect to find someone who is perfect. Everyone has flaws.
• Settling for someone who is not right for you. Don't marry someone just because you are afraid of being alone.
• Marrying too young. It is important to be mature enough to handle the responsibilities of marriage.

Palau concludes by saying, "Marriage is a beautiful and rewarding experience. But it is also a serious commitment. If you are not sure whether you are ready for marriage, it is best to wait. There is no rush. God will bring the right person into your life when the time is right."

Stories of Finding the Right Partner

Here are three stories of people who found the right partner for life:

• John and Mary met in college. They were both Christians and shared the same values and goals. They dated for two years before getting married. They have been married for 25 years and have three children.
• Tom and Susan met at a church singles group. They were both divorced and had children from their previous marriages. They dated for a year before getting married. They have been married for 10 years and have a blended family of five children.
• Bob and Lisa met through a mutual friend. They were both single parents and had two children each. They dated for six months before getting married. They have been married for five years and have a blended family of four children.

These stories show that there is no one right way to find the right partner. But they all have one thing in common: the people involved were all willing to put in the time and effort to find someone who was a good fit for them.

What We Can Learn from These Stories

We can learn a number of things from these stories:

• Be patient. It may take time to find the right partner. Don't give up if you don't find someone right away.
• Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right about a relationship, it is probably best to end it.
• Don't be afraid to date. The more people you date, the more likely you are to find someone who is a good fit for you.
• Be willing to compromise. No one is perfect. Be willing to compromise on some things in order to find someone who is a good fit for you.

Effective Strategies for Finding the Right Partner

Here are some effective strategies for finding the right partner:

• Join a church or other social group. This is a great way to meet people who share your interests and values.
• Volunteer your time. This is a great way to meet people who are passionate about helping others.
• Take a class. This is a great way to meet people who are interested in learning new things.
• Online dating. This can be a great way to meet people who you would not otherwise have the opportunity to meet.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about finding the right partner:

• How do I know if I am ready for marriage? You are ready for marriage when you are mature enough to handle the responsibilities of marriage, you have found someone who you love and who loves you, and you are both committed to making the marriage work.
• What are the most important qualities to look for in a partner? The most important qualities to look for in a partner are kindness, compassion, honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic.
• How can I avoid making common mistakes in finding a partner? Some common mistakes to avoid include being too picky, settling for someone who is not right for you, and marrying too young.
• What is the best way to find a partner? There is no one right way to find a partner. Some people meet their partner through friends, family, or work. Others meet their partner through church, social groups, or online dating.
• How can I tell if a relationship is healthy? A healthy relationship is one in which both partners are happy, supportive, and respectful of each other.

Call to Action

If you are looking for the right partner, don't give up. Be patient, trust your instincts, and be willing to put in the time and effort. The right person is out there waiting for you.

Tables

Table 1: Age at First Marriage

Table 2: Marriage Rates

Table 3: Divorce Rates