Purity of Mind

Phillippians 4:8

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Our thoughts are so powerful, which makes Purity of Mind an essential part of Christian dating.

Staying pure in your mind is as important in a relationship as physical purity. It's about controlling your thoughts and focusing on positive, healthy things. Philippians 4:8 gives a clear guideline on what to think about — things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. Here's how you can apply this as you date and pursue relationships:

1. True: Be honest with your partner and yourself. Don't hide your feelings or thoughts. Be vulnerable and create space for your connection to deepen.
2. Noble: Respect each other. Treat your partner with kindness and dignity the way you want to be treated.
3. Right: Make decisions that are good for both of you. Avoid actions that could hurt your partner or your relationship.
4. Pure: Keep your intentions clean. Instead of thinking about physical intimacy first, consider how you can support and love your partner emotionally and unconditionally.
5. Lovely: Appreciate the beauty in your partner — not just their looks, but their personality, their kindness, and the things they do for you and those around them.
6. Admirable: Celebrate your partner's achievements and strengths. Encourage them to pursue their goals and dreams.
7. Excellent: Strive to be the best partner you can be. Work on improving yourself and your relationship with God, which in turn can help improve the relationship.
8. Praiseworthy: Compliment and appreciate your partner regularly. Make them feel loved and valued every day. Also, praise God together for how He is working in your lives.

Instead of fantasizing about physical intimacy, purity of mind means focusing your thoughts on how you can build a deeper connection with your partner, emotionally and spiritually.

How can you do this? Root yourself in the Lord. Take every thought captive and submit it to Him (2 Corinthians 10:5). By bringing yourself closer to God, you align your thoughts and actions with what is good and meaningful. When you take control of your thoughts and ensure they align with your faith, you’ll find it easier to choose honorable thoughts and keep your mind pure.