What is on your life partner bucket list?
A man with multiple assets?
Tall, dark and handsome? A man with PhD? A particular profession? A celeb pastor?
Choosing a life partner is not a decision to make casually. The person you marry can influence your peace, your purpose, your growth, your family, and every area of your life.So, what exactly should you look out for when making your choice of a life partner?
Thankfully, the Bible does not leave us completely clueless.
The Scriptures give us examples of men and women whose lives provide wisdom for relationships and marriage. One particularly beautiful example is Boaz.Through the story of Ruth and Boaz, we see qualities that made Boaz stand out as a man worthy of consideration
These qualities go far beyond attraction and chemistry.
Attraction may catch your attention, but character determines what you will eventually have to live with.
Here are five important qualities we can learn from Boaz.
1. Capacity and Responsibility
Boaz was described as a wealthy and influential man.This is not simply about having money. His wealth reflected something deeper: stewardship, diligence, responsibility, and capacity.When considering a potential life partner, look beyond what is currently in his bank account.
Ask yourself sincerely:
- Does he have a sense of direction and purpose in life?
- Does he take responsibility seriously?
- Is he financially wise with what he has now?
- Is he building something meaningful?
- Does he have positive influence on those around him?
The question is not necessarily, “Is he rich?”A better question may be, “What does he do with what has been entrusted to him?”
A man does not need to have everything figured out before marriage. Still, there should be evidence of responsibility, growth, and the willingness to build.
2 Godly character
Boaz’s relationship with God showed in his speech and conduct.His spirituality was not merely a title or an identity. It reflected in the way he related with people.
The question of Godly Character is beyond whether he goes to church.
Does his faith affect how he treats people?
Does he honour God privately as well as publicly?
Who are his closest friends?
What kind of environment does he create around himself?
A person can know the language of Christianity and still lack the character of Christ.
The real test of godliness is not only what someone says in public. It is also revealed in how they behave when nobody is watching, when they are frustrated, disappointed, tempted, or inconvenienced.
3 Care and protection
Boaz demonstrated genuine care for Ruth’s wellbeing even before they were married.He considered her safety. He made provisions for her. He ensured that she was not unnecessarily exposed to danger.This is an important quality to pay attention to.
A good man does not use the statement, “We are not married,” as an excuse to be careless with you. He cares about your safety, protects your boundaries and makes decisions with consideration rather than selfishness.
4
This may be one of the most important qualities to observe.A man may be attractive, wealthy, spiritual, intelligent, and ambitious. Without self control, many of those qualities can become dangerous.
Observe his ability to control:
- His sexual desires
- Anger
- Appetities
Self control is a sign of maturity.
A person who cannot govern himself will struggle to lead anything well.
5 Openness and integrity
Boaz did not manipulate circumstances to get Ruth.He was transparent about his intentions and followed the proper process.He was willing to involve others and ensure that things were handled honourably.
Attraction is beautiful.Chemistry is exciting but neither of them is enough to sustain a marriage.There are qualities that become more important when everyday life begins.
The goal is not to find a perfect man.None of us is perfect.The goal is to discern character, observe patterns, and make wise decisions.
