“For better or worse,
for richer or for poorer
in sickness and in health,
forsaking all others,
’til death do us part.”

That’s the vow that we make when we marry. But what is the “better or worse” of someone who marries cross-culturally? And what if you are a missionary?

We’re told by Jesus how important it is to “count the cost” when we become his followers. Whatever vow we enter into, there are important matters to consider before we make solemn promises. And that’s especially true of those of us who enter into marriage.

“Those who marry will face many troubles in this life; I want to spare you this” is the warning the Apostle Paul gave (1 Corinthians 7) those who are active Kingdom workers who are considering marriage. As he said, “A married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—and his interests are divided.”

This is true, that’s the nature of marriage, you have to care for the needs of your spouse, so there are times when your interests will naturally be divided.

But there are other times where a spouse, when you work in unity with God as partners, can help you to do God’s work in a multiplied way. And that can sometimes, but not always, be true of those who cross-culturally marry.

As you “count the cost” of marrying, and “count the cost” of marrying cross-culturally (or maybe you are already married and need help), the articles provided below could provide you with additional points to prayerfully consider. Please click onto the links provided below to read:

• ARRANGED MARRIAGE AND CROSS-CULTURAL MARRIAGE

•  THE BETTER AND WORSE OF CROSS-CULTURAL MARRIAGES

•  INTERCULTURAL MARRIAGES: IS MY WAY THE RIGHT WAY?

•  LOVE AND MARRIAGE — JAPANESE AND AMERICAN

•  TEN TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR CROSS-CULTURAL MARRIAGE

•  OVERCOMING ROLE CONFUSION AND BOUNDARY THREATS

When you’re done reading the above article:
You can then arrow back to our web site to:
• read another article
• or you may want to leave a comment
that could help others
in the space provided at the bottom of this page.