Exploring Online Church Services Together: A Guide for Long-Distance CouplesSample

Day 5: Applying What You Learn

James 1:22-25

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”

Applying what you learn from a sermon is essential for spiritual growth. It's not enough to just hear the word; you must also put it into practice. A powerful way to start this process is by talking about the message after the service.

After the service wraps up, take some time to discuss what struck a chord with each of you. This isn't just small talk — it's a chance to dive deeper into your beliefs and understand each other better. Sharing your thoughts and feelings about the sermon can lead to meaningful conversations and help you navigate your spiritual paths together.

These discussions offer an opportunity to see how your faith intersects in both similar and unique ways. By talking openly, you can discover new insights that you might have missed on your own. You might find that your partner’s perspective sheds light on aspects of the message that you hadn't considered. This kind of dialogue helps you both grow in your understanding of God's word and how it applies to your lives.

To make these conversations even more impactful, consider asking each other specific questions. For example, "What part of the sermon resonated most with you?" or "How can we apply today's message this week?" These questions encourage thoughtful reflection and concrete action steps. Whether it’s showing kindness to others, practicing gratitude, or deepening your prayer life, taking actionable steps helps transform the message from something you hear to something you live.

Finally, remember to pray over these discussions. Ask God for the wisdom to understand and apply His teachings and for the strength to follow through with the actions you’ve identified. This practice will do wonders for your relationship with God and each other — creating a strong spiritual foundation that will help you navigate the joys and challenges of an LDR.

We invite you to join us on Upward if you are a Christian single looking for a meaningful relationship.