GOD CENTERED DATING RELATIONSHIP!

Do you want to have God at the center of your dating relationship? Would you like God to influence the love you show another person? Dating is how we go about inspecting a foundation to build a successful marriage upon. It is imperative that the person 'you' choose to marry and build your life with - has a very similar belief and value system, which is exceptional - for 'you' to then give him or her - the final "pass inspection" stamp. This foundation you are inspecting is CHRIST. How is the person relationship with God like? How committed is the person with the things of God? You must, above all else - make sure that the person 'you' have chosen to build your marriage and life with - is exceptional as an individual - first. This initial step must be cleared, before you even think of building anything together - of which you expect to last. The long-term success for your marriage can only be ensured - 'if' you take the responsible position to make sure your intended marriage partner - passes the initial inspection 'while' dating! We do not and never will change another person... no matter how cute or persuasive you think you are.

Here is some advice that can help you pursue God’s will for your life and in your dating relationship.

1.Remember that God’s Love is the ultimate. Knowing the love God has for you means that you do not have to seek fulfillment in how anyone makes you feel (a weakness of human love): the most perfect love comes from God. Make sure you are strong in your loving relationship with God. This means knowing that He is always there to help you along the way. Trust Him. Make God the most important in your life. Make Him the love of your life.

2.Know the ideal match for you. Date someone that you would consider marrying. Choose a person that has a similar desire for God, one that will build you up in your faith. If you are already in a relationship, positively encourage one another in pursuing God. Help your male friend or female friend to keep God the focus.

3.Talk about God. Make an effort to bring God into your conversations. Not only will it help in keeping God on your minds, you will also find out about each others beliefs. Talking about a spiritual subject changes normal conversation into one of eternal significance. Discussing God also allows you to build up each others knowledge and confidence.

4. Be careful with physical affection. Hugs are great. God created physical affection to be good. But be careful in how much physical permission you give one another. A relationship can easily turn sinful if physical bonding occurs too quickly. Everyone is different. But if you feel guilty at all for actions, it may be good indication that you are going too far. Avoid physical actions that might cause lustful thoughts (such as sitting on lap, laying on each other or sensual kissing and massages).  In this day and age of dating question like whether “premarital physical activity at some level beyond kissing is ok” sound ridiculous to the world, even in the Christian fold, however, in the eyes of single Christian men and women it remains one of many moral dilemmas faced in the dating arena. Whether dating for the first time or you are convinced this is your Christian match, Christians need to know just how far is far enough when it comes to kissing and other forms of physical intimacy. In search of answers to this question one must seek the Bible to see what God has to say about kissing. While the Bible does not specifically mention "kissing" it does make reference to various forms of physical intimacy. Whether you look at kissing from strictly a Biblical perspective or take a more physiological standpoint the conclusion one comes to is the same. Kissing is a powerful entity not to be taken lightly by the Christian single. "Charles Parles shed more light on the act of kissing from a purely physiological viewpoint. He said that kissing often leads to more problems for the single Christian desiring purity in their dating life. Both men and women have erogenous zones - meaning that these areas heightened sexual sensitivity which when touched may result in sexual excitement or stimulation. One of these erogenous zones is the mouth, specifically the lips which are filled with small nerve endings that make them more sensitive than any other part of the face. Once the lips touch in a kiss various neurotransmitters, hormones and endorphins are produced by the brain and body to include serotonin, dopamine, and adrenaline. As a result our mood and feelings are affected, heart rate is increased, blood vessels dilated and hormones that help us regulate feelings of attachment, devotion and affection are released". Ephesians 5:3 tells us, “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality or of any kind of impurity...because these are improper for God's holy people.” Anything that even “hints” of sexual immorality is inappropriate for a Christian. The Bible does not give us a list of what qualifies as a “hint” or tell us what physical activities are approved for a couple to engage in before marriage. However, just because the Bible does not specifically address the issue does not mean God approves of “pre-sexual” activity before marriage. By essence, foreplay is designed to get one ready for sex. Logically then, foreplay should be restricted to married couples. Anything that can be considered foreplay should be avoided until marriage.


5.Cherish your own personal God time. Make sure you spend time alone with God. You need moments of reading the Bible, journaling or praying just between you and God. Since God is your ultimate love, it is good to have that time alone with Him.
Make sure your male friend or female friend and you are active in the body of Christ. You will feel good about sharing God’s love. He calls us to serve Him.Trust and know that God has your back. He wants what is best for the both of you.

Keep in mind the reality that God is real. While having a special someone can bring great happiness in this world, realizing the eternally wonderful nature of God’s love is something you do not want to miss. God is real. His love is real. God is love. Realize that God is working in your life right now.