11/02/2021
*WAYS TO PREPARE FOR A GODLY RELATIONSHIP- Pt 4*
Preparing yourself for a godly relationship takes work. But so does a great relationship. If you can learn these things now, you will be more prepared for a successful, Christ-centered relationship later.
Remember, if youāre already in a relationship⦠these tips can help you improve the relationship you already have. Thereās always room for improvement, and itās not too late!
Once again, the absolute best way to prepare for an awesome relationship is to be a godly young man/woman. *Nothing will prepare you better than having a solid foundation in Godās Word.* Biblical principles are the best rules to follow in order to have a successful and awesome relationship!
*Shall we continue from where we stopped last two days ago?*
*8. Donāt Set Your Expectations Too High (or too Low!)*
*āBetter is little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.ā* Proverbs 15:16-17
Let me explain. I think we as young women/man should have high expectations for the young man/woman who wants to win our heart. If expectations are too low⦠you may end up with someone who will not properly lead you in a godly, Christ-like way. In this way, you should set high standards of godly character, leadership, and integrity in any young man that ācomes courtingā.
*However, on the flip side, having expectations that are too high can be very dangerous as well.* Expecting a young man/woman to always make you happy and romance you every single day of your lifeā¦. well thatās just setting an impossible and unreasonable standard.
*Set high standards on things that really matter ā like his walk with God, godly character, polite manners, family values, etc.* But donāt set your standards too high in other areas ā like romance, expensive gifts, fancy dates etc.
*9. Choose to Be Joyful*
*āRejoice in the Lord always; and again, Rejoice.ā* Philippians 4:4
Itās been awhile since I talked about joy. But choosing to be a joyful and happy person will go a long way in preparing you for a great relationship. Sour moods, constant unhappiness, and wrong emotions will drag other people (especially him) down. However, a happy, joyful spirit will bring life and energy to any relationship.
*Itās our job to choose joy and happiness. It is NOT the responsibility of other people or a special young man to make us a happy.* That kind of expectation could ruin a relationship!
Choose today toā¦
*Look on the bright side ā be positive* (1 Thessalonians 16-18)
*Smile!* (Proverbs 15:13)
*Fight against wrong bad moods and wrong emotions ā* especially during that time of the month (Proverbs 16:32)
*Be joyful in the Lord* (Philippians 4:4)
*Be content* (Philippians 4:11)
*Choose to be lighthearted and merry* (Proverbs 17:22)
*Fight against worry and fear ā* Learn to trust the Lord instead (Philippians 4:6)
Avoid complaining (Philippians 2:14)
*10. Change Yourself Instead of Others*
*āAnd why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brotherās eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brotherās eye.ā* Matthew 7:3-5
So often, we try to change other people. But if we do this, we will just end up frustrated and disappointed because we canāt change other people! We need to learn to accept people as they are ā without trying to change them. So, if you meet someone you would love to change ā donāt even try. You can pray for others, and hope for the best ā you can even encourage and motivate them to do what is right⦠but you will never change them. Instead, focus on yourself.
This is one area where itās okay to be a little self-focused. *What do you need to change about yourself? What are your weaknesses? What are your particular struggles? Pinpoint your own weakness and faults (not other peopleās faults).* Try to found out your blind spots (you know, those areas of weakness you canāt see as easily as otherās can?) Ask a close friend to point out things you need to work on. Make a self-improvement list. Set goals for yourself.
*Be an encouraging cheerleader for others⦠but donāt try to change them.* With Godās grace and help, work on changing the only person you can possibly change: yourself.
*Learn to grow in the Lord. Grow in character, and grow as a person. Learn how to make changes in your own life -especially spiritual changes- and you will be preparing yourself for a great and godly relationship!*
*The Lord bless you.*