God’s Word says a husband and wife become one flesh…but it doesn’t say anything about prenups.
It’s true; you won’t find “prenuptial agreement” in your concordance. So, does that mean a Christian should never have one?
God’s Design for Marriage: Oneness and Covenant
A prenuptial agreement (prenup) is a legal contract that couples agree to before marriage, outlining how their assets—money, property, and other possessions—will be divided if they divorce. While this can seem like a practical way to handle complex financial conversations, many wonder if it aligns with God’s design for marriage.
In Genesis 2:24, God sets the foundation for marriage: "A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." Paul reinforces this principle in 1 Corinthians 7:4, reminding us that in marriage, even our bodies are not our own but belong to our spouse. This unity is central to God’s plan for a thriving marriage—there should be no "mine" or "yours," only "ours."
Marriage is also a covenant relationship, reflecting the bond between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:31-32). This covenant is built on love, sacrifice, grace, and mutual respect. In a Christ-centered marriage, everything is shared, and the relationship becomes a testimony of God’s love to the world.
Potential Issues with Prenups in Christian Marriages
While a prenup may seem practical, it can introduce harmful dynamics into a Christian marriage. Dr. Art Rainer, a frequent contributor to Faith and Finance, outlines three potential messages a prenup might send:
- Distrust in the Relationship: A prenup often signals that one partner feels the need to protect their assets, which can imply a lack of trust in the other person.
- Doubt About the Marriage’s Longevity: By preparing for a divorce before the marriage even begins, a prenup can suggest uncertainty about the commitment to "forever."
- One Partner Isn’t Fully Committed: In a biblical marriage, all things—finances included—are shared. A prenup can indicate that one partner is unwilling to fully embrace the oneness that God desires.
Are There Legitimate Reasons for a Prenup?
Despite these potential issues, there are scenarios where a prenup might foster unity rather than harm it. For example, if one or both spouses have children from previous marriages, a prenup can help clarify how inheritances will be handled. This could show that the marriage is being pursued for the right reasons and that the best interests of all family members are being considered.
However, any decision about a prenup should involve prayer and godly counsel. Seeking wisdom from advisors ensures that the couple asks the hard questions and examines their motivations before moving forward.
Keeping God’s Design at the Center of Marriage
Ultimately, marriage is a covenant reflecting Christ’s relationship with the Church, built on trust, sacrifice, and unity. While there may be valid reasons to consider a prenup, it should never replace the trust and commitment foundational to Christian marriage.
Both spouses should prayerfully consider their motivations, ensuring their relationship aligns with God’s design for oneness in all areas, including finances. Open conversations about money and trust are essential, and any agreement made between each spouse should serve the marriage, not undermine it.
We hope this reflection has provided you with valuable insights as you ponder whether a prenup is right for your situation. Seek God’s guidance, and let His vision of unity and covenant shape your marriage decisions.
On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:
- I started receiving my Social Security benefit at 62 but was later notified I could get a higher amount. After speaking with them, my benefit increased slightly since half of my ex-husband's benefit was higher than I had been receiving. Now, I'm wondering if I would be eligible for survivor benefits if my ex-husband were to pass away before me.
- I'm paying a $120 monthly premium on a $10,000 life insurance policy for my 96-year-old mother. The policy has a $5,000 cash value. Should I cancel the policy and use the $5,000 cash value to pre-pay funeral expenses, or should I keep the policy active until she passes and use the $10,000 death benefit then?
- I have multiple 401(k) accounts from past jobs and traditional and Roth IRAs. Would it be best to consolidate all these retirement accounts into a single traditional IRA and/or Roth IRA? I'm hoping consolidation could simplify management and potentially improve my investment options.
Resources Mentioned:
- Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
- Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
- Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
- FaithFi App
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.
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