Finding a Partner
“Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited, does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4 - 7)
It is that time of the year again; couples are walking together holding hands and laughing clandestinely in the streets. Hearts are everywhere and love is in the air. It’s what the world colloquially calls Valentine’s Day. With the popularisation of love during this period, it is easy to get lost in the emotions and find yourself in a situation that you may not want to be in - hence, we are here to help.
Step 1: Establish your priorities
To begin, you need to understand why you want to be in a relationship. Are you in this to find a good time? To not be alone? To look good to your friends? If you answer yes to any of those questions, you should reconsider your goals, as they will never be fortuitous in your search for ‘The One’. The singular goal in dating is to eventually get to marriage and beyond that, sharing a bond.
Step 2: Find the desired qualities
We tend to create our own perceptions of the perfect person for us: tall, good looking, nice smile and all that other good stuff. However, many of those things will eventually disappear. Values and qualities don’t disappear, but evolve. The best place in the bible to find qualities for a mate would be Genesis 24, when Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac in their home country. It’s an interesting read to get a good base in this aspect.
Step 3: Pray & believe
This is the hardest part: praying and believing. Yahweh may have a completely different outlook on what you believe you need in a partner. Accept what He chooses for you, as you know that He knows you better than you know yourself. Maybe the Lord knows need someone who is more patient than you, to balance you out. Accept it. Do not stop praying (1 Thessaloniciens 5:17), as He has planned everything for you (Jeremiah 29:11)
Step 4: Make yourself available
This one is inherently simple: make yourself available (1 Thessalonians 5:11) . Go out more, listen a lot and talk less. Be presentable. Don’t be desperate and date everybody you see, but keep an open mind and your thoughts directed towards Yahweh, as He will surprise you in so many ways.
All in all, it seems simple to find someone, but many will say that is hard. Understood, but know that Yahweh does not want you to be alone (Genesis 2:18). You are wonderfully and beautifully made, therefore do not fear that you will be alone forever, but rejoice in this time as you live your life in His light.