10 Important Questions to Ask a Potential Spouse

culled from:http://www.believe.com
Dating can often seem like an endless, confusing, frustrating and exhausting journey. While it may be the initial start of a relationship, there is far more to finding a spouse than just spark.

When you have come to a place in a relationship where you might want to take things to the next level, it is important to ask questions that will help you to decide whether or not this is someone that can be a spouse.

The following are 10 important questions to ask a potential spouse:

1. Do you believe in God?

While Christians are called to spread the word of Christ, faith is not an area in which you should compromise yourself.

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? —2 Corinthians 6:14, KJV

2.  What is your relationship with Christ?

Make sure that you know more than just that your beloved is a believer. Know what his or her relationship is with the Lord and how that relationship plays a part in daily life.

But I will sing of thy power, yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. —Psalms 59:16, KJV

3.  What do you believe is the relationship between man and wife?

Many women look at the way a man treats his mother or his family to see how she herself will be treated if they marry. Talk about what you believe the roles of husband and wife are and whether they will differ from the way you grew up.

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. —Genesis 2:24, KJV

4. How do you treat others who have wronged you?

It is important to understand that the way your potential spouse treats others who have wronged them can quickly turn towards their partner. A common misconception is, “Yes, they are like that with others but they would never be like that towards me.”

5. How do you communicate when you are angry?

Communication is a crucial part of marriage. If a person tends to run away from a situation instead of resolving it, that can create a snowball effect over time. On the other hand, if a person blows up, rather than communicating constructively, that can also be destructive.

6. How important is honesty in your relationships?

Trust and honesty are the basis of any relationship and without these two things, a marriage simply cannot endure.

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. —Proverbs 31:10-11, KJV

7. What are your weaknesses?

While God is perfect in His infinite wisdom and love, all humans have flaws. Not only is it important to be aware of your own weaknesses, it is important to be aware of the flaws in your potential spouse.

8. What is your biggest fear?

While this can seem like a frivolous question, the answer will let you know of what your potential spouse truly holds dear.

9. How important are material goods to you?

The world we live in can be filled with materialism and temptation. Knowing how much stock your potential spouse puts in these things can be a huge factor in knowing whether or not you hold the same values.

10. What is your definition of marriage?

Not everyone thinks of marriage in the same way. It is important to know how your potential spouse views marriage, so that you can understand what they perceive this union to be.