What About Romantic Relationships? (Part 2)

READ: EPHESIANS 5 Did you know that God-honoring romantic relationships can be a great place to learn more about God’s love? In my own life, God has used my relationship with my fiancé to teach me more about my relationship with Him. First, when I consider how much my fiancé and I love each other, I’m reminded of how much more God loves both of us. As we love and serve each other, we are reminded of the ways Jesus loves and serves us—even sacrificing His own life for ours (Ephesians 5:2; 1 John 4:19). Second, I’ve learned how well God knows me. Sometimes, when we’re on a date, my fiancé will ask if I want to split mozzarella sticks, and I’ll debate and then refuse. He’ll go ahead and order them for himself and, lo and behold, guess who actually wants mozzarella sticks? This simple way my fiancé knows me so well pales in comparison to how deeply God knows me (Psalm 139; John 10:14). Third, my relationship with my fiancé has been a reminder that God made people to be in community (Genesis 1–2). This doesn’t always mean romantic relationships, but sometimes it can. Some Christians are called to marriage, and we’re all called to singleness for at least part of our lives, so romantic relationships are one way—but not the only way—Christians can experience community (1 Corinthians 7). Ultimately, marriage points to Jesus because the church is the bride of Christ. A faithful, loving marriage between a husband and wife offers a picture of the kind of love Jesus has for us (Ephesians 5:25-33). He died for our sins and rose again so we could be with Him forever, enjoying His presence, working alongside Him in His kingdom, and resting in His unconditional love. As Christians—whether we are single, married, or dating—we are intimately loved by the one who knows us better than we know ourselves. • Naomi Zylstra • What does the gospel have to do with our approach to romance? What does a relationship centered on Jesus look like? (If you want to dig deeper, read Matthew 19:4-6; 1 Corinthians 6:11-20; 7:39; 13:4-7; 2 Corinthians 6:14-15; Hebrews 13:4.) • What questions do you have about dating and marriage? Who is a trusted Christian adult in your life— such as a pastor, counselor, or parent—you feel comfortable talking to about these things? (If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future.) Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:2 (NLT)