Christian Friendship First: Why It’s Worth the Wait Before DatingSample

Day 5: Christian Principles

Having a friendship first aligns with Christian principles.

In a world that often prioritizes quick connections, taking the time to nurture a friendship before stepping into dating aligns beautifully with Christian principles. This approach is a testament to patience and love, values that 1 John 4:7 calls us to embody. It emphasizes building relationships based on meaningful, Christ-like values rather than fleeting emotions.

Embracing Patience and Love

Friendship allows you to truly understand and appreciate each other as individuals created by God. This patient approach mirrors the love that comes from God, as mentioned in 1 John 4:7. By focusing on friendship, you cultivate a relationship that reflects genuine care and understanding, free from the urgency that often accompanies romantic pursuits.

In friendship, you practice love by valuing the person for who they are, not what they can provide emotionally or materially. This reflects the core of Christian love — selfless and sincere, rooted in God’s love for us.

Cultivating a Christian Friendship

Building a friendship that aligns with Christian principles is all about embodying the core values of love, forgiveness, humility, and service in your daily interactions. For instance, expressing love can be as simple as offering a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on when your friend is going through tough times, illustrating the unconditional support that mirrors Christ's love. When conflicts arise, practicing forgiveness is crucial; it means letting go of grudges and extending grace, much like Jesus taught us to forgive others as we have been forgiven.

Humility can be shown by valuing your friend's opinions and acknowledging when you might be wrong, fostering a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. Lastly, service is a powerful way to strengthen bonds, whether it’s helping them with a challenging task or volunteering together for a cause that matters to you both. These actions not only enhance the friendship but also reflect the Christian ethos of compassion and selflessness.

Friendship as a Foundation for Dating

How does this translate into dating? A friendship built on Christian principles prepares you for a romantic relationship rooted in patience, love, and respect. When your relationship transitions to dating, you do so with a deep understanding and shared commitment to living out Christ-like values.

By waiting and being friends first, you cultivate a partnership that honors God and embraces the true spirit of love, creating a lasting bond that withstands the test of time.

We invite you to join us on Upward if you are a Christian single looking for a meaningful relationship.