Commitment versus Emotion

“Do what makes you happy!” “Follow your heart!” “Love yourself!”

These are all common phrases that you’ve probably heard before … but have you ever stopped and analyzed their motive? Many self-help principles are rooted in the motive of “self” – it’s in the name! Not that we are to disregard ourselves completely, but the Bible challenges us to a different standard of service than to simply ourselves. This is the call for our lives as Christians, and it is also the call as we are looking to serve someone in a dating relationship. 

If our ideas of dating are centered around making ourselves happy, then we are missing the point! Dating is not about serving our emotions, but a commitment to serve the other person well. Serving the other person means pointing him or her to Christ and going above and beyond even when you don’t feel like it. This is why we cannot take dating lightly; it is a heavy task! Ultimately, God cares more about our obedience than our happiness. While this might sound cruel at first, it is actually the most loving thing He can do for us. After all, happiness is temporary, and the joy found in Him is eternal!

Have you ever seen a dating relationship rooted in selfishness? What did it look like?

What does it look like to serve someone in a dating relationship? 

What are your standards for someone in a dating relationship?