It seems like everything you see these days about relationships pertains to “relationship goals.” In fact, you can’t scroll through your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram feed without seeing a hashtag or picture that people believe are relationship goals. Maybe it’s a guy buying his girl a new dress with a note that says “Dinner at 7,” or a video of a couple going on lavish vacations doing things like skydiving and cliff jumping. Sure these things look great from the outside, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t envy some of these people and want these events to happen in my life from time to time. But can someone please tell me just when relationships became such a contest? When did couples start feeling the need to compare themselves to other couples?
Now, I’m not saying that buying each other gifts or planning elaborate dates to show your love is a bad thing. It is thoughtful to surprise your significant other once in a while to show how you care and want them to be happy. I just think that our generation seems to be blowing this whole “goals” idea way out of proportion. We are straying away from what the true meaning of love is. Love isn’t supposed to be materialistic.
Luckily for me—as a Christian—I am reminded daily of the purest kind of love as I know God’s love and how great His love is for both you and me. And because of this—because I know the magnitude of God’s love, I have a different vision of “relationship goals”. These relationship goals stem from verses in the Bible. Here are my top 5.
1. Matthew 6:33
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
It is important to seek God first and your partner second. Christians understand the secret to a faith-based relationship is when you both love God more than you love each other. Seeking Him first will bring you closer together, allowing His blessings to in return fall down upon the relationship.
2. 1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
This is our warning the Bible gives us about unfaithful relationships. We must have our guard up and understand that not everyone has the same morals in a relationship that we do. We all know that God has a special person out there for each one of us. So until the timing is right, wait for that person. Do not settle for bad company. The kind of company that changes who you are. Be courageous in your pursuit for good company who accepts you for who you are and for what you believe in.
3. Mark 10;9
“What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Relationships aren’t always rainbows and butterflies. There are tough times in every relationship. However, if it’s a relationship blessed by God, then God will grant you the ability to get through any problems you may encounter. If the relationship isn’t blessed by God, then he will make it known to you.
4. Ephesians 4: 2-3
“2 Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
This verse is our reminder to keep God at the center of every relationship we have. If both persons in the relationship are focused on God and bettering themselves as a Christian each day then there is nothing more you can ask for in the relationship. The relationship will also have a better chance of lasting and turning into a faithful lifelong commitment.
5. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-6
“4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”
I once read an article that said to replace the word “love” in this verse with the name of your significant other. If the verse still holds truth and applies, then this is an example of a relationship you can trust and put your belief in. You want a significant other that can be your 1 Corinthians 13: 4-6 and that can help you strive to be theirs every single day.
