Over the next few days, we’re going to talk about relationships, sex, sexuality, and dating. These topics aren’t easy to cover. Lots of people have many different opinions about what is right in our world today. However, instead of going to research, opinions, and what everyone thinks is right, as Christians we should be going to the Bible for the answers to these questions.

So let’s go to God’s word, and see what He has to say about some of these topics. Today, we’re going to talk a little about dating. As a young person, you might be dating or considering dating someone.

So here’s a truth about dating. The people in your life are to share life with you, not to be your meaning or existence. That means that when you’re dating, you’ve got to put the proper perspective on your relationship.

Today’s Truth: The people in your life are there to share life with you, not to define you.

Are you looking to the person you date to bring you fulfillment? Are you looking to that person to bring you meaning, or give you worth in your life? If so, you need to reevaluate your relationship. The people in your life are not meant to bring you meaning or purpose. They are there to share life with you, not define you.

The only one who should be giving you purpose is God.

“You must not have any other god but me. “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. – Exodus 20:3 (NLT)

You might read this verse and think, yeah, but I’m not making a carved idol or worshipping the devil or anything, and think you’re ok. But here’s the thing. God wants your heart. Anything that steals your heart away from God is an idol. So is your relationship doing that?

Are you looking to a relationship to define you, give you purpose, or fulfill you? If so, that relationship could be an idol in your life. If all your thoughts, energy, and emotions are spent on your relationship, it’s possible that you’re giving that relationship too much room in your life.

So today, truthfully evaluate your life. Is God the one giving you your purpose and meaning? Or have you let relationships or something else do that instead. Don’t beat yourself up if you need to make an adjustment. Simply go to God and adjust your course to let Him be that in your life instead of someone else.

You probably know what to do to be healthy. You know that you should exercise, eat good things, and drink lots of water. When you do these things, your body stays healthy. God not only wants your body to be healthy, He also wants your mind and spirit to be healthy as well.

How do you keep your mind healthy? One way you can do that is to begin to have healthy relationships.

When it comes to relationships, God’s goal is that you’re whole. He cares about all of you, your spirit, soul, and your body. See what He says in this verse.

Stay away from every kind of evil. Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. – 1 Thessalonians 5:22-23 (NLT)

God wants you to be healthy in every way, not just in your body. Why? Because He loves you that much. He’s not giving guidelines in your relationships to keep you from having fun or from enjoying something. Instead, it’s to keep your body, spirit, and soul whole.

Over the next few days, we’re going to talk about relationships. We’re not discussing this topic to make you feel bad, or feel like there’s a bunch of rules you have to follow. Instead, we want to share God’s word with you in the hope that you will choose to pursue relationships that keep your spirit, soul, and body healthy.

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13 (NLT)

I remember when a family member of mine died. It was really tough on my faith and I had a hard time walking in peace and joy. I was upset and didn’t know how to effectively deal with the loss of this person in my life.

During the difficult season, I felt God encourage me that I had a reason to hope. I was going to see my loved one again. In the middle of a season of loss, or even just a trying time in your life it can be easy to want to give up on hope. You can begin to believe that it will never get better and that things will never change. However, regardless of how dark things look, God can be your source of hope.

Things don’t always get better instantly, but if you place your trust and hope in God, He sees you through. His wisdom speaking to you through scriptures and through the Holy Spirit will give you the insight and encouragement you need to keep going.

Today’s Truth: God wants to Give you hope

So today, if you’ve been struggling, know there is hope. Ask God for His encouragement and don’t give up. God wants to bring you confident hope!

Have you noticed how easy it is to be upset? Maybe something happened to someone you love. Perhaps you’re feeling the stress of school or sports. Before you know it, you’re upset and troubled.

The Bible provides us with a great tip when it comes to stress. It tells us to not let your hearts be troubled. That means you have a choice in every situation whether you’re going to respond in peace or if you’re going to let your heart be troubled.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. – John 14:1 (NLT)

Every day you have the opportunity to choose. You get to choose whether you’re going to really trust God in every area of your life. If you trust God, then you don’t have to let your heart be troubled. You know that no matter how bad things get around you, God will always see you through.

So today, if you’re faced with something big, don’t allow your heart to be troubled. Instead, look to Jesus. Trust Him to be your peace in the middle of the storm. You’ll be glad you did.

Today’s Truth: Don’t Let Your Heart Be Troubled

I remember having to give my first speech in my Oral Communications class. I hated it. Let me say that again, I hated it. I dislike being the center of attention, and the idea of my whole class watching me speak sounded like the worst thing on earth. You might be like me and hate giving speeches. Or perhaps you’re amazing at that, but the idea of something else just makes you so afraid.

Today we’re going to talk about being brave. Because let’s face it, sometimes in life, we have to be brave. We have to face those things that scare us, and decide to push through them.

So how do we be brave when we don’t always want to, or when we don’t feel like it? Well, sometimes it helps to realize that Jesus can help you be brave. Especially when you’re doing something He is telling you to do.

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always – 1 Chronicles 16:11 (NIV)

Back to giving speeches, one time my youth leader asked me to share during youth group time. And I had to share in front of the whole youth group. Of course, I hated the idea of being in front of people and speaking to them. However, I felt like it was something that God wanted me to do, and I believed God had something for me to share with them. So I prepared a little Bible lesson for them, and did it. Yes, I did it, and I did it afraid.

When God has called us to do something, He gives us the ability to do it. He helps us, even if we’re afraid.

Today’s Truth: When God calls you to do something, He gives you the ability to do it.

So how about you? What is God asking you to do that seems too scary? It might not be giving a lesson to your youth group, but it might be talking to a friend about Jesus, or asking someone if you can pray for them. If God asks you to do something, He equips you to do it.

Decide today to press past your fear and step out and do the thing God is calling you to do.

I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. – Philippians 3:12 (NLT)

Stop the anger. I keep telling myself. For some reason, I seem to get mad really easy. And as much as I tell myself that tomorrow I won’t get mad, I usually do. So what do I do?

Do you have an area that you struggle in? Maybe it’s not anger for you, perhaps you struggle with overeating, pornography, or some other area in your life. Sometimes, sin is a really hard thing to feel like you can overcome.

However, there is hope.

First of all, realize that becoming more Christlike is a process. You’re not there yet. So don’t have an idea of ideal in your head, and get mad at yourself if you aren’t there yet. Realize that you’re making progress. Maybe you lost your temper four times yesterday, but if a year ago, you would lose your temper ten times a day, you’re making progress. Don’t beat yourself up if you’re not there yet. Celebrate the little wins along the way and know if you’re trying, you’re making progress.

Secondly, don’t base your worth on how good of a Christian or not you are. Yes, you should be trying to be more like Christ, but here’s the thing: you’re not Jesus. You’re not perfect. You will never be perfect. And God’s love for you is not based on your perfection (thank goodness!). God’s love for you is based on Jesus’ perfection. That’s good news.

Today’s Truth: God’s Love for you is based on Jesus’ perfection.

So today, if you’re struggling with sin, know this. God loves you. Even in your imperfection. Also, it’s ok to not be perfect. Making progress each day is a good thing. Don’t forget that you’re making progress and you’re doing better than you probably give yourself credit for.