July 17, 2008
I’m 17, dating a guy, and I have a question: how can you know when the guy you are dating really loves you?
What a great question…
If they respect you enough to wait
If they want the best for you
If they are unselfish
If they define intimacy as getting to know who you are on the inside
If they love God more than the relationship
If they exhibit self-control with their actions and words
If they honor you and God and invite him into the relationship
That’s a great foundation to build love on . . .
Here’s what scripture says about love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first”,
Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, but keeps going to the end.
There are no perfect people, but a lot of girls (and guys) settle for a feeling instead of someone who really cares about them as a person. It’s why I meet a lot of teens who are cynical about relationships. It’s why I meet girls who have decided he-wants-me-because-of-sex-only who are trying to figure out why they feel so bad inside.
I get tired of it, honestly. And it makes me angry that the meaning of love has been so skewed in this culture.
That’s why I love it when someone like you stops to ask such a great question.
Suzie
This post was originally published on RTF in 2006
Faith says:
I couldn’t agree more!
(Thanks for checkin’ out my blog)
Michael says:
Hello.
Not quite sure how I came to your site, but I have too leave a comment.
Excellent blog and your Christian approach to teens and their joys, struggles and life.
I happened to notice, however, that your answer and instruction to the 17 year old looking for answer about love. Well guess what, those same rules or observations apply even if your 27, 37, 47. Its all part of that respect issue. Guys play games and use lines no matter what their age, if they haven’t learned to be mature, patient, loving, and Christ-like.
Debbie says:
Great answer, Suzie!
We could all save ourselves so much trouble if we’d just stop and seek Him in relationships, friendships, etc.
Keep up the great work!
Debbie