Counsellor and Resident Pastor of the Universal Gospel Centre, Reverend Daniel Annan, has advised young people to look beyond love when making decisions about marriage, urging them to prioritise trust, wisdom and shared values.

He made the statement during an episode of Let’s Talk on Joy Prime on Tuesday, in a discussion on whether feelings alone are enough reason to enter marriage or if financial security plays a bigger role.

According to him, the meaning ascribed to love in modern times is problematic and often promotes a fairytale version of life that does not reflect the realities of marriage.

“The issue as I’ve always said, love is so problematic because the way people define love. So I quite oftenly say don’t marry because of love. Use wisdom to make a decision,” he said.

Reverend Annan emphasised the importance of financial security, allowing the spirit and wisdom of God to guide the choice of a partner, and looking out for values such as honesty, respect, transparency, understanding and love as stronger foundations for marriage than emotions or money, which he said can both fade quickly.

“Let wisdom guide you. Let God’s wisdom guide you to the person you want to make your partner. Do you trust that person?

Is he transparent? Is he truthful? Is he reliable? Is he able to make his own choices? Can you take care of a family?” he stated.

Counselling psychologist and ADR practitioner, Counsellor Perfect, who was also on the programme, encouraged young women to invest in themselves and enjoy their singlehood before committing to marriage, so they do not become burdens to their partners.

“If you’re a lady, prepare yourself for marriage. Enjoy your single hood, get employment, work at least for 2 years, live on your own for a while and know how you can manage your finances,” she said.

She also admonished parents to be lenient with marriage lists for their daughters, noting that such demands place excessive financial pressure on men.