Being Careful About Who You Date

 

Have you ever heard the term "boy crazy?" Some adults use that phrase to describe a teenage girl when all she seems to do is think about boys. But the truth is, whether you're 5 or 50, it's natural for all of us to have crushes at any age. There's nothing wrong with liking someone, as long as we keep our relationship with God in first place. But when a crush starts to become something more, a lot of us stop doing that. We end up making that person our number one priority and letting our relationship with God slip into second place.

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” This verse means that we need to be able to take control of our emotions and not let them lead us into situations that could hurt us later. God created us with emotions to help us care about others, build relationships, and enjoy walking through life with Him, but He never intended for our emotions to rule our lives. Only Jesus Christ should have that place.

2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV) tells us, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” When you are yoked together with someone, it means you have allowed them to get really close to your heart. Once you let a person get that close, they can influence your choices, your decisions, and even how you view your relationship with God.

It's great to have friends and to hang out with them, but that's not the same as giving your heart to someone. When it comes to choosing people who are good for our lives, God has the final Word. He tells us to be careful about who we let into our hearts because the people closest to us will influence the direction of our lives.

Before you start dating someone, ask yourself a few honest questions. Do they encourage you to grow closer to God or pull you farther away? Do they respect your values, or do they pressure you to do things you know are wrong? Do you feel like you can be yourself around them, or do you feel like you have to change just to keep them interested?

The right person will never ask you to choose between them and God. A healthy relationship should help you grow in your faith, not pull you away from it. That's why it's so important to be patient and let God guide your heart. He knows what is best for you, and He wants you to build relationships that bring you closer to Him, not farther away. 

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblical, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

“Being Careful About Who You Date”, written for aheartforchristdevotions.blogspot.com by Kraiapril©2026. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Showing Up for God’s Word

 Acts 2:42 (NIV) says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” 

Sometimes we have other plans, or we just don't feel like going to church. Because of that, we might decide to stay home instead. But even when we don't feel like going to church, we should do our best to show up so we can learn God's Word. Our Heavenly Father always wants to teach us something new about Him and His love, or He wants to remind us of who He has made us in Christ. We just never know how He wants to encourage us through the message, worship, or the people around us. Choosing to show up is one way we grow closer to Him.

Colossians 3:16 (NIV) says, ^“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” 

This verse is teaching us that God’s Word should fill our hearts. It should become such a big part of our lives that it actually becomes who we are. When we are around other believers and we’re learning about the Lord Jesus Christ and worshiping God, His Spirit is with us. And as we grow in our understanding of who Jesus Christ is, our faith becomes even stronger, and we learn to live a life that honors Christ.  

This is such a great way to live, because it gives us peace, joy, wisdom, confidence and love.

Sure, there are times when certain things might overlap with church. God understand that. But we also should make sure we pray that God will make a way for us, so that we don’t miss our times of fellowship. Going to church once or twice a week really isn't asking a lot when you think about everything God has done for us. He loves when we spend time with Him and keep building our relationship with Him.

We also have to make sure we're going because we love God, not just because we feel like we have to. God wants us to love Him with a real heart, not just show up because someone made us.

So, the next time you don't want to go to church, just remember where you would be without God. Think about all He's done for you and ask yourself, “How important is God to me?” and “Am I really committed to Him?” It might not always be easy to go, but it's always worth it.

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

“Showing Up for God’s Word”, written for aheartforchristdevotions.blogspot.com by Kraiapril©2026. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ our Lord!