King Solomon’s life illustrates that a thriving relationship and a strong faith are deeply intertwined. Early in his reign, Solomon prioritised his relationship with God: he prayed for wisdom above all else, built the temple to honour the Lord, and led Israel in worship. As a result, his kingdom experienced unparalleled peace and prosperity. This principle holds true for couples as well. When God is at the centre of a relationship, that relationship is more likely to flourish. “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labour in vain” (Psalm 127:1) declares Scripture a verse attributed to King Solomon himself. In the Afro-Caribbeancontext, a relationship that is not grounded in God’s guidance may struggle no matter how hard the couple works at it.
For Afro-Caribbean singles and couples, faith has often been a cornerstone of community and family life. Bringing that same faith into one’s romantic relationship can be transformative. Practically, this means praying together about life decisions, attending church or Bible study as a pair, and encouraging each other’s spiritual growth.
King Solomon asked God for help (wisdom) to lead his people. Similarly, Afro-Caribbean couples can ask God for wisdom to navigate challenges like career moves, parenting, or conflict resolution. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6) is a promise that applies to two people in love, not just individuals. When both partners rely on God’s direction, they find themselves moving in the same direction, united by a higher purpose.
King Solomon’s story also serves as a cautionary tale. In his later years, King Solomon’s faith waned under the influence of his foreign wives’ idols. As he drifted from God, cracks formed in his kingdom and personal life. Likewise, Afro-Caribbena relationships can suffer when one or both partners neglect their spiritual life. For instance, pride, selfishness, and infidelity at the root of relationship breakdowns, creep in more easily when we distance ourselves from God’s teachings. A Afro-Caribbean couple that prays and stays in Scripture is regularly reminded of virtues like patience, kindness, humility, and forgiveness, which act as safeguards for their relationship. Conversely, when faith is absent, worldly temptations and values can erode trust and commitment.
One practical insight from King Solomon’s reign is the importance of shared worship. After completing the temple, King Solomon and the whole nation celebrated and dedicated it to God, an act that undoubtedly unified the people (1 Kings 8). For a Afro-Caribbean couple, sharing moments of worship and gratitude can strengthen their bond. Whether it is singing together at church or simply giving thanks at the dinner table, these acts invite God’s presence into the relationship. They also encourage humility, reminding partners that their relationship is a gift from God to be cherished and stewarded well.
King Solomon teaches that faith is the bedrock of lasting relationship. Black dating site users or Afro-Caribbean matchmaking couples searching for “the one” should seek someone with whom they can grow in faith. Building a relationship on Christ is like building on solid rock (Matthew 7:24-25), storms may come, but the house stands firm. By keeping God first, as Solomon did in his best years, Afro-Caribbena couples can ensure that their relationship not only survives but truly thrives, bringing glory to God and joy to their lives.