Reach4Life- Journey 3: LiveSample

DAY FOUR: LOVE & DATING

“Love never fails.” – 1 Corinthians 13:8, NIV 

LISTEN

There’s a difference between being ‘in love’ and real love. Being in love (having strong romantic feelings for someone) is wonderful. The problem is that we confuse it with real love.

Do you know the difference? In love focuses on our own happiness. Real love focuses on the well-being of the other person. In love craves immediate satisfaction. Real love is patient and willing to sacrifice. In love wants pleasure and intensity. Real love seeks to grow in trust and friendship. In love is a feeling. Real love is an act of the will. Anyone can be in love; but, only a person who is emotionally and spiritually mature can really love.

LOOK

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

LEARN

God is love:

· That’s why he wants us to follow the way of love

· He wants us to have relationships that are based on real love, not only on being ‘in love’

· Real love is patient, it’s not envious or self-seeking (v4-5).

That’s why we should think again about how we go about dating:

· Do you date people because you are lonely, and you need to look or feel good, or because of what you can give to others for their good?

· Do you judge people based on their looks, or do you look at their character and relationship with God?

· Do you treat people like Jesus would treat them?

· Are you ready for real love – the kind of love that will stick with one person for life? If not, then why date?

It’s much better to be single until you’re really ready. Remember:

You don’t need someone to be someone.

LIVE

· What have your experiences of dating been?

· How can you be more God-pleasing when you relate to the opposite sex?

LINK

For more on Love & Dating, read:

1 Corinthians 7:32-35