Written by Netisha Alie Grant
(Author of Inspirational Book Walking a Two-Way Street)
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| Designed by Berit Bow |
Are you single and considering getting into a romantic relationship?
Are you already committed but may have some issues understanding yourself? Then read on or click the link above to listen to this life lesson.
Before you get into a romantic relationship there are a couple of questions you should ask yourself:
- Do I know who I am?
- And do you love myself? Before you can happily and effectively share a life with someone else in marriage, you need to have answers to these questions.
In Mark chapter 13 verses 30 and 31, Jesus gives us the greatest commandments of all. ‘Love God completely with all your mind, body, and soul and love others as you love yourself.’
Understanding the order of this commandment is a guide to our very life. We must first love God and do so by establishing a relationship with Him. Why? God IS love! The very essence of love in its purest form is who and what God is. In knowing Him, we can come to know and understand ourselves better and develop a love for ourselves in the process.
After this has taken place, you are now in a better position to love someone else, “as you love yourself.”
The best way to grow in love and understanding with yourself is to spend quality time with you. Do some soul searching and date yourself. Find out by examining your reactions to different situations and in different environments and explore what brings you happiness & peace. What triggers you to anger? What helps you to cope? Dig real deep within.
Another area to observe is your core belief system. What are your aims and what is your vision for your life? For example, if you want a Godly relationship you may want to stare clear of someone whose sole belief system is science, who believes in facts and not faith.
Lastly, know your worth! When you have established who you are and what you want in life, through God, you develop a level of confidence that is admirable.
In this case you will not invest your time and energy engaging with “love” interests who do not line up with your life. You won’t entertain conversations that you know won’t lead towards the life you desire. Nor will you be a “person pleaser” who can lose yourself by compromising so much to please your partner and ‘keep a relationship.’
Life then becomes easier in this regard simply because you know and love God, He taught you to know and love yourself and you in turn know who you are capable of loving and sharing a life with!
