Red Flags: A 10 Day Devotional On RelationshipsÀpẹrẹ

Day 4: Red Flags in Relationships #3 

I remember being interested in a girl at the university I went to before I met my amazing wife. I kept asking her to go on a date, and she kept turning me down. But every time after she said no, she would say this one little line that I never understood: “I don’t want to go out with you right now, but try again later and we’ll see.” 

What does that even mean? I spent way too much time waiting around and wallowing in self-pity because she didn’t like me but wanted me to stick around. Eventually, I got alone with God and poured my heart out to Him. He helped me to move on by promising that He had someone amazing in store for me and that girl was my beautiful wife. Praise God!

The girl that I thought I wanted was full of red flags for me in that season. Why? Because God had someone waiting for me on the other side. Don’t settle for someone who isn’t in love with you! Don’t play games with someone who is manipulative, critical, or makes you feel less than. Be on the lookout for these three red flags in potential partners: 

1) They want to hide things from you, or you want to hide your relationship with them from others. 

2) They are often critical of you. 

3) They are controlling, pushy, and manipulative. 

If you’re tired of dating and have experienced heartbreak after heartbreak, don’t give up. God’s got great plans for you. He loves to fulfill the desires of your heart. The most important thing to look for in a spouse is a genuine love for God. Keep your heart full of hope and hold onto His promises! 

He’s got your back. Don’t back down from disappointment or discouragement. Live your life fully right now. Follow Jesus with your whole heart exactly where you are. Start that business, buy that house, take that trip! Love God with all you have, love the people around you, love yourself, and love your season.   

Pray with Me: “Heavenly Father, help me to live in this season fully right now and enjoy this time before marriage. I dedicate myself fully to You! Show me if there are any red flags to be aware of in dating and help me to walk in the path You have for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.”