JHNC/Treasures of Hope

THE LOVE JOURNEY!
(Steps to step into the realm of Christian Love Affair.)

TEXT:ECCLESIASTES 3:11

One of the well-known topic that most of our young people in church wants to discuss is about Boy-Girl Relationship. Well, we cannot avoid it because almost all of us in some point of our life have experienced to have some crushes and puppy loves. But some adult especially here in the Philippines are very conservative in discussing about it. They say that this is not yet to be discussed with the young ones because they are still “kids”. But the problem is, if we won’t be discussing this to them at this point of their age, they might be finding answers in wrong sources. Most of them are very much aware of this topic nowadays. I don't think it's bad to discuss things on them regarding this matter.
Discussing things about affections with the opposite sex, courtship and marriage should be discussed in relation with their Christian Life. I am not an expert on this. In fact, I myself still have a lot of proving on my life regarding this. In short: I’m still on the process of learning from God up to now.

I. DEFINITIONS.
Let us all journey in the Word regarding this subject and together learn from it. Let us start in defining some terms.

     A. Love - Feelings, affection, attraction.

     B. Courtship - Pursuance of the feeling with intention of building it. (Growing or deepening)

     C. Marriage - Conclusion of the intention that started in a simple affection which is now called commitment.

     D. LCM - The ascending order in getting your ultimate purpose of commitment (Love, Courtship and Marriage).

This is the scenario of going through a lifetime of blessing in a relationship:
·It is like a College Course - there are pre-requisites in certain subjects.
·It is a Ladder of Destiny - you must start at step one.
·It is a Sequence of Program - that will build towards the grand finale or culmination of physical relationship.

II. THE CHRISTIAN APPROACH: “The way it used to be.”
     When I was young, my Sunday School teacher kept on telling us that if we will enter into a relationship we should see to it that we do it God’s way. We are Christians and we need to be a Christian in all that we do. We should always give God the glory.

     A. The Principle (for the Search):
          a.Same Tribe (Holy Tribe)---Spirit(2 Corinthians 6:14-17)
          b.Same Mind---Soul    (Genesis 2:21-25)
          c.Same Status---Body   (Genesis 24:62-67)

     God’s concern for us is that we will not drift away from Him. Our relationship should always reflect our God and none else. God also doesn’t want a mixture of light and darkness -- definitely.

     B. The Process (of Consideration):
          a.Seek the Lord---Look Up
          b.Seek the Priority---Look Inside
          c.Seek the Will---look Around
          d.Seek Approval---Look Out

     The process should always center on what is the will of God in our lives. Also setting our priorities in life counts a lot, because through this we’ll be able to know and weigh things who we want to consider. It is also important to have someone spiritually mature to become your confidant regarding this.

     C. The Phasing (of Romantic Approach):
          a.Ask Prayer---   Bow---The person chosen.
          b.Ask Direction---   Walk---Both to the Lord with Time Table.
          c.Ask Permission---   Talk---Start right. (Exodus 20:12)
          d.Ask Favor---   Receive---Give thanks at all times.

     Respect is one of the distinct qualities of a Christian courtship. Ask for prayer and let God give the right timing for it. But the most important thing is paying respect to the parent by telling them your intention for their child. This reflects your testimony as a Christian.

     D. The Pinnacle (of the Journey): Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
          a.Build your Spirituality together.
          b.Build your Relationship together - Pure & Holy. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
          c.Build your Dreams / Visions together - Plan & Prepare.
          d.Build a Household of Faith.

     A good relationship will make you become closer to God. Making Him the center of all your plans as a couple would make your relationship grow. A good relationship is not only a man and woman’s relationship but a love triangle: God, man and woman.

III. WHERE ALL OF THESES BEGINS? (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

     A. Establish your love on God and for God.

     B. Establish your love for yourself.

     C. Establish your love for other people.

     You can never progress in your relationship with others unless you experience the love of God. Stay in God’s presence and you will know what love is. “If you are overwhelmed with His love, you can find someone to share your love.”

IV. DETERMINE YOUR LOVE PRIORITIES.
     It’s true that being in a relationship is one of the best we can have in life. But it will only be true if it comes in the right time of our life. Good things in bad timing is never good at all. We should know what our priorities in life according to our situations. This applies especially when you are still young and studying.

     A. God

     B. Yourself

     C. Family

     D. Ministry

V. THE CHALLENGE!
     Wise people always seek God in all aspects of his life. He sets his priorities and makes sure he does it according to the purpose of his plans. That includes his relationship. A person who plans his relationship is a picture of a responsible and godly person. I do not mean to discourage you. I just want to challenge you to build your Christian testimony even through this. Also, there is virtue in waiting on the Lord. Read the poem entitled “In God’s Time”, and be blessed.
     Let us not be hasty and clumsy in our decisions. This is not a game… we are not playing. We will be building a future household of faith. Wait on the Lord. He will make all things beautiful… In His Time! (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

                                                              There is hope for you… Be blessed!