The seven 'Need to Know' Before and After Getting into a Relationship

First and foremost, I would love to give my special thanks to all of you my readers. I appreciate you reading my articles simply because, the vision of having this blog is not for me but for everyone who'll be able to access and read the articles that God has enabled me to write. Happy New Year, since this is my first article since the year started. Looking forward for much more in this year.

Today's sermon is a little bit complicated since it has taken the most of so many people. There is no formula to this and it has nothing to do with experience. There are few things that I came to learn concerning relationships. I'm happy that I am able to share these with you today. These are few points that covers three main areas, before getting into a relationship, at the moment you have to decide whether you should into a relationship with somebody and at the moment you are in a relationship. May the Spirit of God speak to you as you read this.

If you are single...

There is a big number of frustrated  single ladies and gents due to different issues. Some are so desperate about marriage, they only think of when am I going to get married or who should I date. They keep on fantasizing about almost everyone along their way. Some have gotten so bitter due to the issues they experienced in the previous relationships and they have totally lost hope. Being single is a very good time that you have to use to enjoy and equip yourself, make yourself better and better. Here are few things to help you:

One: Use this precious time to strengthen your relationship with God The bible says in 1 Corinthians 7: 32- 35  'I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs--how he can please the Lord. 33 But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world--how he can please his wife-- 34 and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world--how she can please her husband. 35 I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.' When you are single, it is almost an ideal environment for you to seek God. Most of the single people do not have much responsibilities as compared to the ones in relationships. It's easy to have enough time with God, Paul says that you have undivided devotion. Seek God during this time, ask for God's guidance and draw near to him. Trust God and He'll direct your ways.

Two: Have personal goals. There are some single ladies and gents who drop everything down and concentrate in just one thing - Searching for a life partner. I urge you to take sometime set your own goals, pursue your dreams, your purpose. Plan for five, ten, twenty... years to come and go after your goals. Let someone find you somewhere on the way to fulfilling your dreams. Have plans for personal development, read books, work hard, go to seminars and different workshops.

Three: Be predetermined and decide to have a clean christian relationship before engaging yourself with anybody. This is an important decision to make if you want to have a Godly relationship. When you have a clear picture of what you really want and a clear direction of where you want to go it will make it easy for you to stick to your decision when you come across crossroads. Make a decision and cling to it.

During the the decision making moments...

This is a crucial moment. The time when you have to decide whether you have to go after so or so, or should I accept this person's proposal??? This gives us our point number four.

Four: Create an atmosphere for a healthy relationship. Do not start a relationship in an environment that will not support a Godly relationship. The point I want to stress here is that, the environment should support a healthy, Godly relationship. Do not go after somebody's man or woman, lust should not dictate your dating and the likes.

In a Relationship...

Now you have decided to date this particular person, here I have a few things for you.

Five: When you are starting your relationship, it is important to have the same picture of where you want to go. This should be inside both of you, same expectations. Do not imagine what the other thinks but make it clear between both of you.

Six: When you are getting into a relationship, do not neglect your relationship with God. It is exciting being in a relationship. Having someone you're sharing love with. Keep in mind, there is the fundamental love and relationship that you are supposed to nourish and cherish. Keep the fundamental relationship alive, this is your relationship with God. It is neither to be forgotten nor neglected as God is the reason why we are alive today and we are supposed to live for Him. In fact, all people may change but God will remain the same and he will never leave you nor forsake you. This is a relationship worth keeping. You need to check your relationship with God constantly.

Seven: Last but not least, remember you are dating your brother or sister in Christ, you really do not want to hurt him or her.