Forget the Upper Hand

Some dating “experts” suggest the game of playing hard to get. They recommend waiting a certain amount of time before communicating after a date. They warn against acting too interested too soon, or letting a person know how you really feel. The goal? To gain control—the upper hand in the relationship. 

But the Bible says otherwise. A relationship is an opportunity to speak truth. To put another person’s needs above your own. To care for the one you’re pursuing in a selfless manner. To desire another person’s happiness over your own. To be Christ-like.

Sounds pretty different? It is. But God’s approach works.

Pray

God, culture is telling me things that are contrary to what your Word says. Help me to hear your truth over the noise. Help me to act in a loving way that honors you and my partner. 

The apostle Paul describes how to work at loving each other well—through specific attitudes and behaviors.

Read

Philippians 2:3

Reflect

It’s easy to be selfish without realizing it. Have you ever tried to gain the upper hand in a relationship? Why? What was the end result?

Respond

Figure out one way to honor your partner today by putting his/her interests above your own.