The history of the prenuptial agreement (prenup) dates back to ancient Egyptian times and was often used as a means to care for a widowed woman. According to\u00a0Brodie Friedman,<\/a> marital and family law attorneys, these contracts were written up to protect the wealth and property that came from both the bride and groom\u2019s family. Due to prearranged marriages then, a bride was given away with a dowry, and a groom was to pay her family to marry her. This nuptial agreement was designed to ensure that she would have rights to wealth and property if her husband passed away.<\/p>\n Fast-forward to today. These nuptial agreements have since faced some skepticism but have become rather commonplace since the laws on divorce began to change in the early 1950s (Wikipedia). Now, we see a different evolution of what marital agreements entail, as a prenup states how money, possessions, and assets are to be divided in the unlikely event that a couple part ways and proceeds with a divorce.<\/p>\n This \u201cagreement\u201d not only comes with a pretty bad connotation nowadays but can stir up distrust and mixed feelings, especially among Christian couples. Rightfully so, as believers, we hold to the notion that a marriage is meant to be a life-long venture, sacred and holy under God (Mark 10:8-12<\/a>). That said, putting a prenup in place would cheapen the most favored human relationships, deeming it more like a contract than a covenant (Matthew 5:32<\/a>).\u00a0<\/p>\n However, it may be worth questioning whether there is ever a rare or certain case in which a prenup might be warranted. According to\u00a0Focus on the Family<\/a>, \u201cblended families and already-started business ventures can create unique financial situations that need to be addressed with explicit care. A prenuptial agreement could be a wise way to avoid future financial and legal headaches, particularly where extended family is involved.\u201d There was also mention of going into a marriage with significant financial debt or extreme assets where a prenup may be worth considering.<\/p>\n We must recognize that we live in a fallen world riddled by tragedy, and unfortunately, divorce is a part of that. However, when a couple goes into a marriage with a mindset of the possibility of it \u201cnot working out,\u201d the motives are already way off base. The truth of the matter is that God\u2019s design for a marriage is to bring two of His beloved children together and make them one flesh (Genesis 2:24<\/a>). This sacred union is to be valued as a commitment to life (Ecclesiastes 9:9<\/a>).\u00a0<\/p>\n Husbands are called to love and lead their wives, giving themselves up for her, while wives are to honor and respect their husband\u2019s role and submit to him being the weaker vessel (1 Peter 3:7-9<\/a>). Each brings a beautiful role into a marriage, holding equal value but different and unique qualities that are required to make a marriage based on faithfulness and devotion while being rich in love (Ephesians 5:22-31<\/a>).<\/p>\n Christian couples should enter a marriage by seeking to honor and glorify God\u2019s design for marriage and enter their union equally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14-18<\/a>). When each spouse says \u201cI do\u201d to honor and submit to God first and foremost, then submit to one another in marriage as Christ did the church (Ephesians 5:21<\/a>), that is the only agreement needed.<\/p>\n Father, we thank You for the precious gift You give us in marriage. Please help us see our fianc\u00e9s and future spouses as You do \u2013 as a beloved child and priceless treasure. Help us honor Your perfect design for marriage and live in a purposeful way that glorifies You together. Amen.<\/em><\/p>\n Photo Credit: \u00a9Pexels\/Edmond Dant\u00e8s<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n![\"Alicia](\"https:\/\/i.swncdn.com\/media\/150w\/via\/24210-img-0658-1.webp\")
<\/source><\/picture><\/em>Alicia Searl<\/strong>\u00a0is a devotional author, blogger, and speaker that is passionate about pouring out her heart and pointing ladies of all ages back to Jesus. She has an education background and master\u2019s in literacy. \u00a0Her favorite people call her Mom, which is why much of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball game or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a mean latte. She sips that goodness while writing her heart on a page while her puppy licks her feet. Visit her website at\u00a0aliciasearl.com<\/a> and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n