Loving Too Much?
by Fern Horst
Browsing through the “Love & Relationship” section of a local bookstore, one can find such titles as Women Who Love Too Much, When Parents Love Too Much, and even, For People Who Love Their Cats Too Much. We could easily conclude that it is a grave danger to love too much.
Yet, when we turn to the Bible we realize that Jesus calls us to love others as He has loved us (John 13:34), and to love even to the point of dying for those we love (John 15:13). (read more)
Find Encouragement . . .
Feeling confused about your situation? Maybe you’re just not sure how to relate in this sometimes crazy and chaotic dating world? Maybe you’re just wondering why you haven’t found anyone yet or why nothing seems to be happening for you? Is God still moving in this area of your life?
Wait! Stop everything! While it is very easy to fall into this trap of doubt, remember it is just that, a trap. God is not the God of chaos or confusion. He brings clarity and confirmation to all our situations, if we trust in and rely on Him.
So what do you do? First, don’t trust your own feelings of confusion in this area. Lean on God and His Word for clarity and trust that He’s right all the time.
Just as confusion is fed by doubt, so clarity is fed by conviction and belief. Use the verses below to help redirect your thought-life and focus on the clarity that God wants us all to have. We don’t get to know the future, but we are blessed with promise after promise from His Word about our life. What happens next is up to Him, but trust that He hears you, He sees you, and He knows your heart.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. (Psalm 32:8, NIV)
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. (Isaiah 42:16, NIV)
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:6, NIV)
For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. (Psalm 48:14, NIV)
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21, NIV)
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9, NIV)
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterwards you will take me into glory. (Psalm 73:23-24, NIV)
Your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139:10, NIV)
If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm. (Psalm 37:23, NIV)
His God instructs him and teaches him the right way. (Isaiah 28:26, NIV)
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The Difference Between Love and Infatuation
It’s difficult, when you believe you’re in love, to think that it could be anything but true love. The feelings are so strong, so compelling. You want, you desire, you believe that what you are experiencing is authentic.
But does it line up biblically with the definition God gives to love? (read more)
If Singleness Is a Blessing, Why Does It Feel Like a Curse?
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If anyone has asked this question, I have! I’ve read the passages in the Bible that explain the blessings for those who are single, and the blessing that singles can be in the Body of Christ. I believe them. But why don’t I always feel that way? (read more)
What Does the Bible Have to Say about Dating?
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Type the word “dating” into your bible search tool and what comes up? Nothing. When I was single, I remember wishing there was an entire book of the bible dedicated to the topic, or at least even a chapter. But though Scriptures are filled with foundational life-changing truths, there are still some topics that are left untouched when it comes to finding a biblical perspective. (read more)
If Singleness and Marriage are Gifts, Why Wasn’t I Given One?
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What Do Men Really Want in a Wife?
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What Do I Do When I Feel Lonely?
You may be surprised at how many Christians struggle with loneliness. A. W. Tozer once said, “Most of the world’s great souls have been lonely.”1 Think of the godly people in Scripture who felt alone, and consider the reasons for their loneliness. Job felt alone in his troubles (Job 6:14-15); Joseph, in his rejection from family (Genesis 37:23-28); Elijah, as a result of intense spiritual warfare (1 Kings 19:10, 14); David, as a result of his enemy’s relentless attacks (Psalm 25:16); Jeremiah, because of his stand for the Lord (Jeremiah 15:15-18); and Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane when He needed His friends the most (Matthew 26:36-45). (read more)
Does My Life Really Matter?
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Many singles wonder what they’re alive for if they aren’t going to have the responsibilities of a spouse and children. It’s a horrible feeling — that sense deep down that if you weren’t here it wouldn’t make much of a difference, and that perhaps it may even be better for some people if you weren’t around.
But that feeling is a lie. If you doubt that you are significant and have a purpose for being here, or the fact that the Lord of the Universe loves you and wants you, take a second look at this story, and what He did for you. (read more)
Why Aren’t You Married Yet?
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He’s Husband Material but Doesn’t Share My Faith
How do you reject a guy who “has everything you want for a husband” but doesn’t share your faith? I don’t want to give him a message that says: “if you were a believer, I would say yes . . . but until then I’ll have to say no.” (read more)
Should I Pray for a Husband (or Wife)?
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On the surface, it can seem an odd question, but I am sympathetic to the reasons why it is asked. Lurking behind that one question are many others: “What if God doesn’t answer this prayer?” “Is this something I should even be focused on?” “Is it selfish of me to want a husband?” “Is God still good if I pray and I remain single?” and so forth. (read more)
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Recently, I watched a group of high school girls on the beach “check out” a handsome lifeguard. (Who says guys are the only ones who look at the scenery on the beach?) As the lifeguard leisurely walked to the water to cool off, the girls went crazy with excitement! One of the girls making the most noise sighed and exclaimed, “I’ve never seen such a babe! I think I’m in love!” (read more)
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Whenever Jesus was presented with a lie, He countered it with the truth of God’s Word. Jesus said that God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). The Psalmist said that God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). One of the reasons God gave humanity the Bible was for the purpose of clearing away the lies, the misconceptions and the confusion about who He is and what His will is for our lives. Use this handy printable resource to remind yourself of some of the most important truths in Scripture. (read more)
