The Power of Christian Friendship: Discovering Shared Values Before Committing to RomanceÀpẹrẹ

Day 2: Respect and Faithfulness

Discovering the shared values of respect and faithfulness helps you feel confident that your partner will treat you with kindness and be reliable throughout your relationship.

Respect

Romans 12:10 encourages us to "be devoted to one another in love" and "honor one another above yourselves." This scripture sets a foundation for understanding how treating your partner with respect can be a powerful testament to your shared values.

When you begin your relationship as friends, respect involves recognizing each other's worth and treating one another with kindness and dignity. It means valuing each other’s feelings, thoughts, and boundaries, making sure every interaction reflects Christ-like love. Even if a relationship ends, doing so with respect and empathy can provide closure and mutual understanding, laying a groundwork of grace that can transform a challenging situation into a testament to your shared values.

Faithfulness

Faithfulness, as emphasized in Luke 16:10-12, speaks to the importance of reliability and trustworthiness in all aspects of life, including relationships. Just as you are called to be faithful to God, you are called to extend this faithfulness to your partner. This involves consistency in your actions and words and ensuring your partner feels secure and valued.

As friends, discovering this shared commitment to faithfulness means knowing you can rely on each other through life's ups and downs. It creates an essential safety and trust for a deeper, romantic relationship. Seeing that someone is a faithful friend, you can trust them to be a faithful partner.

When you discover these shared values of respect and faithfulness in friendship before committing to romance, you build confidence that your partner will treat you with kindness and reliability when you take things deeper.