#Dating

We’ve all heard it before: “We’re talking†or “He liked my Instagram post.†Our culture is very focused on how we look and how we spend our free time. Whether that be going to the beach with friends or playing on our travel volleyball team—we want people to look at us and want them to know what we’re doing 24/7. That’s why, if a friend tells us about a guy she’s interested in, the first thing we do is look up his social media.

But sometimes we get so focused on how cute someone is or what they do for fun, that we forget to ask the most important questions: “Are they committed to Jesus?†and “How do they find ways to further God’s kingdom in their day-to-day life?â€

I know it’s so easy to get wrapped up in how good they look on social media. But God cares about more than just appearances. He doesn’t care how many followers you have. Instead, God cares about whether your identity is in Christ— if you are following Him.

As Christians, the Holy Spirit helps us grow in our understanding of who He is as we spend time in His Word regularly—on our own and with other believers at church. Therefore, when we are looking for a potential future spouse, we should seek someone who also has their identity in Jesus.

God is with us, even when following Him means waiting for a godly person to pursue a romantic relationship with. Even if that means staying home on a Friday night when all our friends are out on dates. We can trust that God’s timing is always perfect, and He will be with us while we wait, giving us wisdom about the future. • Anastasia Yoder

• How can you glorify God in how you approach romantic relationships? What does a Jesus-centered relationship look like? To dig into this subject, check out Matthew 19:4-6, 1 Corinthians 6:9-20 & 13:4-7, 2 Corinthians 6:14-15, Ephesians 5, and Hebrews 13:4.

• If you have questions about what this looks like, who is a trusted Christian in your life—such as a pastor, counselor, or parent—you can bring those questions to?

• What are some ways you can encourage your boyfriend or girlfriend in knowing Jesus more deeply?

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Matthew 19:4-6; 2 Corinthians 6:14-15; Hebrews 13:4