The Power of Christian Friendship: Discovering Shared Values Before Committing to RomanceНамуна
Day 5: Committing to Your Values
Your romantic partner needs to value the same things you do. First, you must understand your values through deep introspection and a clear grasp of your faith. Then, once you have this clarity, you can surround yourself with friends who resonate with your beliefs. This foundation can naturally evolve from friendship into a relationship grounded in mutual respect, shared beliefs, and a deep connection aligned with your faith.
So, how do you do that? Here are three steps to help you decide what’s most important to you so you can find a partner with shared values.
1. Reflect on Your Beliefs and Convictions
The first step to choosing what you value in dating is to reflect on your beliefs and convictions. What aspects of your faith do you hold dear? For example, if you believe strongly in the sanctity of marriage, then purity might be one of your core dating values.
2. Consider the Biblical Teachings
The Bible offers wisdom on relationships and is a great source of guidance when choosing your dating values. For instance, the Bible's teachings on love and respect between a husband and wife in Ephesians 5:25-33 could inform your approach to dating.
3. Seek God's Guidance
Prayer is a powerful tool when making decisions. Ask God to guide you in choosing your Christian dating values. What is most important to Him should be most important to you.
Commit to Your Values
Understanding and committing to your values is essential, especially as you build friendships that may evolve into romantic relationships. Begin by knowing your core beliefs and letting them guide your interactions. Discuss important boundaries with friends to see what other people think about certain topics, such as waiting until marriage to have sex. Discover and uphold shared values as friends. Build a strong foundation for a romantic relationship that honors your commitments and faith.
We invite you to join us on Upward if you are a single Christian seeking a meaningful relationship.
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About this Plan
Having shared values with the person you’re dating is essential to a long-lasting relationship. In this 5-day devotional, we’re sharing how starting your relationship as friends is powerful because it allows you to learn each other’s values and see how they impact your decisions. Discovering that you have similar values creates a strong foundation to build a romantic relationship.
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