Marriage is beautiful, but without the right empowerment, we can make a mess of even the most beautiful thing.

In this fourth half of this series, we will consider one more factor you must not fail to look out for when deciding on your choice of marital partner.

So, let’s go on to #4!

4 – Observe if they are teachable.

No one is an island, and nobody has a monopoly of knowledge. Teachability is non-negotiable for a healthy relationship. If you ignore this trait in people, you will have problems.

Be careful of someone who is always defensive. Be careful of someone who keeps trying to emotionally blackmail you when you try to correct them or bring to their notice something that could have been done better. Be careful of someone who has zero or weak commitment to personal development.

Don’t feel comfortable around someone who feels and believes they are never wrong; it’s either their way or the highway. God has not created anyone to be an absolute authority on everything. This means that, as humans, we are fallible. We can be wrong, and our views will not always be without flaws.

A healthy relationship is possible with two growing individuals learning from each other, being open to superior perspectives, and valuing each other’s inputs in conversations and decisions. You want to be with someone who values you, and this shows in their respect for your views and opinions.

While you are not looking out for someone who will be your puppet, you deserve to have someone who respects themselves and is self-aware enough to know that they don’t know everything and can be wrong sometimes. You deserve someone who is open to learning and value your input and perspectives.

You may find someone who is a Christian and who shares your faith and doctrines but is unteachable. Please be careful. Many Christian homes have become war zones. You don’t want this for yourself.

So, a key trait to look out for in a potential spouse is to check if they are teachable – male or female.

Here’s a quick recap of what we have addressed in this article. There are four important considerations not to ignore to arrive at God’s will for a life partner.

First, find/know your calling before you find your spouse. Secondly, embrace/engage godly wisdom and prayer. Thirdly, make sure they are spiritually aligned with you.