Marriage as Friendship: The Key to Lasting Relationships, Says Expert

In a world of shifting family dynamics, Counsellor Reginald Albert-Akuamoah, CEO of The Marriage Factory, has called on families to rediscover their foundational values.

In a heartfelt message, he outlined practical steps for building strong, God-centered families that foster love, unity, and growth.

Marriage: The Foundation of a Family

According to Counsellor Albert-Akuamoah, marriage is akin to embarking on a lifelong journey with a trusted friend. “Are you a friend to your spouse, or are you merely married?” he asks, urging couples to evaluate the quality of their relationship.

He explains that true friendship in marriage is marked by meaningful conversations about plans, spiritual matters, outings, and shared dreams. Conversely, relationships dominated by mundane topics such as bills and complaints may lack the depth of friendship.

“A friend is someone you care for, understand, and love—someone you’re willing to be vulnerable with,” he says, drawing on Genesis 2:25: “Adam and his wife were naked and felt no shame.”

What Defines a Christian Family?

Albert-Akuamoah describes a Christian family as a unit where a man and woman partner with God to share their lives, raising children who reflect their values. “Families are the building blocks of the Church,” he notes. “Strong families create strong communities and churches.”

To build such a family, he emphasizes the importance of centering life around God, creating an environment of prayer, joy, and unity, and ensuring that every member seeks the welfare of the others.

Roles Within the Family

The Husband

Drawing on Ephesians 5:23, the counsellor explains that a husband’s role is multifaceted:

As the head of the household, he must foster a strong spiritual connection with God and lead by example.

• He acts as a prophet, priest, and king, guiding the family spiritually and practically.
• He provides, protects, and prioritizes quality time with his family.

Albert-Akuamoah advises husbands to conduct regular prayer sessions, share their vision for the family, and be actively involved in its welfare.

The Wife

Referencing Proverbs 14:1, he describes a wife as the “builder of the home,” who supports her husband’s God-given role.

• She is a helper and encourager, uplifting her husband through words and actions.
• She is urged to cultivate an attractive appearance, nurture her husband’s self-esteem, and maintain a harmonious atmosphere in the home.

The wife also plays a critical role in household management, from contributing to finances to fostering spiritual growth.

The Children

For children, Albert-Akuamoah highlights Proverbs 22:6 and Colossians 3:19, emphasizing obedience, respect, and gratitude.

Children are encouraged to honour their parents, share with others, and contribute positively to the family dynamic.

He reminds them that having caring parents is a privilege, urging them to learn from their parents’ example and practice responsibility.
Building Together

The counsellor concludes with a unifying message: “A strong family thrives when husbands fulfill their roles, wives complement and support, and children obey and honor. Together, we can and we will build families that glorify God and benefit society.”

This timeless advice serves as a guide for families striving to grow in faith, love, and purpose, laying a foundation for generations to come.