Guard your heart; do not be a serial dater
Proverbs 4:23:
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
1 Corinthians 12:4-8
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
In the modern dating scene today, it often feels like love is fleeting and relationships are taken less seriously. Many singles seem to move from one partner to the next without much thought or commitment. It can be disheartening to see how quickly people jump from one relationship to another, without giving themselves or their partners a chance to truly connect.
You might wonder why this is the case. Well, it is not necessarily because people have bad intentions. In fact, many singles are genuinely searching for a meaningful connection. They are just going about it in a way that seems to prioritize quantity over quality. It is like they are trying to cast a wide net in the hopes of catching something real.
However, being a serial dater is not ideal.
In the process of getting from one relationship to the next, something important seems to get lost. The depth and sincerity that often come with truly getting to know someone are sacrificed for the thrill of the chase. It is as if you are constantly seeking the next best thing, without fully appreciating what you already have.
Moreover, in the Bible it says that you should be intentional and cautious in your relationships (Proverbs 4:23).
Consider your situation where you often find yourself moving from one relationship to the next, seeking a genuine connection. Each time you enter a new relationship, you open up your heart, hoping that this time it will be different. But with each disappointment, your heart becomes a little more bruised and guarded. Perhaps you have experienced the pain of investing your emotions in someone only to have it end in heartbreak. This cycle can leave you feeling disillusioned and questioning if genuine love even exists.
Each relationship you enter leaves an imprint on your heart, shaping your thoughts and attitudes towards love and relationships. So, guarding your heart means being selective about who you allow to enter your life and being mindful of the impact each relationship has on your emotional well-being.
Instead of jumping from one relationship to the next in search of a quick fix for loneliness or validation, take the time to reflect on what you truly desire in a partner. Consider what qualities are important to you and what you are willing to compromise on.
Remember that genuine connection takes time to develop and requires patience and discernment.
If you finally find someone again after a series of failed relationships, it is crucial to strive to maintain that relationship. Remember the advice in Corinthians about love.
Be patient with each other, showing kindness and understanding even in difficult times. Avoid jealousy and pride, instead choosing to celebrate each other's successes and strengths. Act in ways that honor and respect your partner, always seeking their well-being above your own. Let go of past grievances and forgive freely, focusing on building a future together based on honesty and trust. Protect your relationship from harm and hold onto hope, knowing that love can withstand any challenges that come your way.
Above all, persevere in your commitment to each other, knowing that true love is worth fighting for.
Read more:
Facing the reality: What to do when you are falling out of love
