Courtship

Personal preference

2026-05-03

Text

Phil 2:1-11

Aims

  1. to study some of the areas of personal preference between intending couples,

  2. to study Jesus’ example of preference before His exaltation and

  3. to discuss ways of blending couples’ preferences towards a lovely marriage.

Introduction

How do you want us to relate with our families? What is your best food, your type of dressing and political affiliation? These are questions to be discussed and amicably answered in Christian courtship. As humans, we are bound to have our personal preferences especially when it comes to choices of food, clothing and compatible views on various issues like relationship with extended family members, relationship with friends, views on various tribes, their colour, social class, sexual orientation, gender identity, denomination, political party and views on general lifestyle. Our Bible passage today reveals to us the preference of our Lord Jesus Christ in redeeming mankind to God over His godly status with God. This is a very good example to us as Christians and intending couples that whatever are our preferences and no matter how important such preferences are; should be subjected to the love that binds intending couples together.

Study guide

  1. Mention the various areas of personal preference in human Lifestyle and discuss the importance of discussing them before marriage.

  2. According to our Bible passage today, what do you think should be Jesus’ preference and what did He prefer to do and why? Jhn 1:1, 14; Rom 15:3; Phil 2:6-8.

  3. As human, we are bound to have preferences. What are the biblical bases for our preferences? Matt 7:12; Rom 15:2-3; 1Cor 13:4-5; Phil 4:4-5.

  4. Expatiate on Phil 2:3-5 and discuss how such injunction will assist in building lovely understanding in marriages.

Conclusion

No matter how good and favourable their preferences may be, intending couples should discuss amicably how to allow love for each other to take pre-eminence over such preferences. When this happens, there will be mutual understanding and respect for each other’s preference without hurting one another in their marital Lifestyle.

Food for thought

Weigh your preference and balance with that of your partner.

Memory verse

Phil 2:4 “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others”.