Dating With Intention
Choosing on purpose, not by drift.
On relationships and self-respect.
The big idea
Most regret in relationships comes from drifting rather than deciding.
What does “Dating With Intention” walk through?
Set The Standard First
Philippians 4:8 · KJV
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
In plain English
Whatever is true, honourable, right, pure, lovely and admirable — think about these things.
Decide Before You Feel
It is far easier to hold a line you drew calmly than one you are inventing at midnight. Intention is mostly a matter of timing.
Love Is Patient
1 Corinthians 13:4 · KJV
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
In plain English
Real love is patient and kind. It doesn’t compete, brag, or act proud.
Love Is Not Self-Seeking
1 Corinthians 13:5 · KJV
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
In plain English
Love isn’t rude or selfish. It stays calm and doesn’t assume the worst.
“Anyone who needs you to be less to stay with them is not offering love.”
Trust Him With It
Proverbs 3:5 · KJV
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In plain English
Rely on God fully, not just your own viewpoint. He sees what you cannot see.
Wanting Is Not Wrong
Scripture never treats desire as shameful. It treats it as powerful — which is exactly why it asks you to be deliberate rather than passive.
Pray
Father, help me choose well and wait without bitterness. Amen.
Write it down
What standard do you want to decide now, while it is calm?
Decide early
Write the line down before you need it.
Which passages does this journey use?
4 passages, drawn from Philippians 4:8, 1 Corinthians 13:4, 1 Corinthians 13:5, Proverbs 3:5. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 7 minutes for the whole thing, or 8 short sittings.
- Philippians 4:8
- 1 Corinthians 13:4
- 1 Corinthians 13:5
- Proverbs 3:5
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
More in Relationships
All Relationships →Choosing Your Circle
You become the room you stand in.
When A Friendship Ends
Grief nobody throws you a funeral for.
Being The Only Christian In The Group
Faithful without being obnoxious.
Loving Your Siblings
The people you did not choose.
When Home Is Hard
For anyone whose house is not a refuge.
Honoring Parents You Disagree With
Respect that is not agreement.