..”Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
1 Corinthians 13:4


Love is patient. Those three words are so powerful. In a society focused on what can make them feel the best the fastest, love is constantly put on the fast track of people’s lives. They quickly find someone and feel the need to date them right away. I understand why these people do so, but by doing this, they are missing out on one of God’s great blessings: friendship. If you are interested in someone, why rush? Get to know them first, and you’ll find you’ll be blessed. By dating/pursuing someone early, you run the risk of ruining any chances of a relationship and most chances of friendship. By getting to know them, with the sole purpose of becoming their friend, there is no way you can lose. Either your feelings will grow and eventually you’ll be at a place where you are ready to date them, or you’ll find out she isn’t for you and have gained a friend. Say you do this, and find out you really do think they are someone that you should pursue. How will you know your ready? There are two ways (that I go by). One, pray to God for direction on the situation. If he wants something to happen, he’ll definitely let you know. Two, test your love on the guidelines from 1 Corinthians 13. Are you patient? Are you kind? Are you self-seeking? Everything in that chapter is essential to having a good relationship. Also, when in a friendship with someone you possibly could be interested in, do not give away too much of yourself. If you are “friends” with them and yet share everything and anything with this person, then if you start dating, there will be no difference, and it will lose it’s value. Plus, if it doesn’t end up working out, then you’ll have all the heartache of a break-up. So I want to encourage you to do things the right way, and slow it down. Enjoy your friendships, and don’t rush things. Love is patient, and you can wait it out if it’s true love.

-Joe