Luke 6:31 “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Recognizable no doubt...this is something that should be applied to all relationships!! Think of the beauty of this simple idea...what a revolution and a healthy experience for all.
God puts people in your path to push, encourage, strength, and even hurt you (not for the purpose of long pain, but for the purpose of drawing closer to Him). The past three Sunday sermons I have experienced in same way discuss the importance of relationship and the importance of a continued relationship with God. HOW FITTING!!! Is it possible that I was indeed put in this relationship and then pulled out again simply because God was calling me home?
As I leave my recent experiences...a few parting encouragements/suggestions/guidance in the process of breaking up in a love and Christ centered mentality. Remember I broke up with someone I still had feelings for but knew God was calling me in different direction.
1. Seek a friend of the same gender (or a mature Christian couple) - seek a wider perspective/consideration of the outlook of your relationship. Things to consider: are you repeating past cycles or are your thoughts and feelings valid?
2. Pray. Best friend through this process is God - He wants to help ease the pain, help prepare the way for a new path in your life...wherever He may direct you. Also, be in prayer for the other person, ask God to prepare a soft cushion/circle of support to find comfort and support.
3. No laundry list. If your heart, your prayers are leading you to end the relationship, be in prayer that that is enough, do not create lists of reason, instead open the conversation with Love and compassion.
4. Pray for them AFTER you leave and for the next week or so as God leads you.
And as I look to the future...I must be prepared for whatever God has in store. I have confidence that this desire to be married and have children is God working through me but it is important that in that situation I need to be patient and not be in constant anticipation of this, enjoy the friends for awhile...God works in wonderful ways...
Remember...
1. As you approach a new relationship, keep fantasy in check and seek reality. It is thrilling to find someone paying attention to you and wants to spend time with you. However the initial stages of “connecting” is a dance where everyone is on their best behavior. Do not contribute to the fantasy as you enjoy getting to know other Christian singles through Christian dating relationships.
2. Christian singles engaged in Christian dating should set aside times each week to discuss how the relationship is being seen from each of their perspectives. This will cause Christian singles to pay attention to realities and not venture off alone into a world of fantasy.
