“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16)
Beliefs can be a very powerful thing. Whether we realize it or not, beliefs are the foundation upon which everything else rests. Beliefs can help us endure discomfort, provide courage, and persevere through challenging times. However, on dating websites, people attend more to the pictures of prospective partners, than the prospect’s beliefs. Here are some ways to discern whether a long-lasting relationship with a prospective partner is possible based on their beliefs using John 3:16.
Beliefs Perpetuate Actions
In John 3:16, it is easy to see that our belief in Jesus leads to an action–having the opportunity to receive eternal life after death. Observing someone’s behavior will tell you a lot about that person’s belief system. Do they cheat at board games? Do they pay their bills on time? Do they look at and flirtatiously engage with the opposite sex in your presence? All these behaviors communicate not only what a person believes, but also will give you clues as to how you can expect to be treated.
Beliefs Impact Levels of Commitment
Not only does John 3:16 call for action, but also this passage calls for a huge level of commitment. Why? Because although no one has ever actually seen Jesus Christ, millions of people not only believe this scripture, but also are committed to living their lives in such a way so as to reap the benefits of their belief. Therefore, another aspect that one must examine when dating is a prospective partner’s level of commitment. One indication of the level of commitment is to observe what else is this person committed to? Friends? School? Work? What is the duration of each? Observing a person’s level of commitment to anything may indicate their level of commitment to you and your relationship in the future.
Examine Your Beliefs
John 3:16 is a passage that speaks to everyone therefore it is up to each individual to not only read it, but also take it seriously. With that being said, before, during, and after relationships, it is helpful to examine about your own belief systems. Because humans are multi-faceted, it is not uncommon to attract partners who do not hold our same belief systems. Furthermore, we need to examine ourselves and attend to how much our actions align with our beliefs. Whether we explore the former or the latter makes no difference because as Jesus so wisely stated, a house divided will fall.
Did you know that your faith is also connected to the way you believe? Click the link below to read more:
