08.03.01 Introducing Cultural and Family Influences

Introducing Cultural and Family Influences

Every individual enters a relationship carrying a myriad of experiences, traditions and behavioural patterns. Family environments and cultural settings play a central role in influencing an individual’s beliefs, expectations and responses, shaping the person’s approach to relationships and influencing how she or he perceives love, respect, communication, conflict, finances and spiritual priorities in a relationship. These influences are not necessarily negative since they provide a sense of identity, belonging, wisdom, tradition and discipline. However, challenges arise when deep-seated cultural norms or unresolved family patterns dominate a relationship, overshadowing a person’s individual values, shared principles or biblical standards. In fact, Jesus complained about that in Mark 7:8. That verse reads (AMP): “You disregard and neglect the commandment of God and cling [faithfully] to the tradition of men”. 

In this chapter, I will briefly explain how cultural and family dynamics work in our marriage. Drawing from the fictitious story of Robert and Caroline in conjunction as the biblical story of Ruth and Boaz, we will share insights on evaluating a prospective partner’s cultural and family influences; and how to develop a healthy approach to those kinds of influences as you wait