Bible Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2: 13-17
May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loved us …, comfort your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do and say. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-1 7
YOU WANT to date. Why?
That’s not such a dumb question. There are plenty of bad reasons to date. But the right reason for getting to know someone of the opposite sex-in God’s way, in God’s time-is to answer the desire God built into you to have a special friendship with someone. You’re probably not breathing if you don’t need an intimate, affectionate, transparent relationship with someone.
And ponder this: Filling that need starts with Jesus. It’s not trite or tacky to say that he has everything you could ever want in a special, intimate friend.
Jesus seeks your friendship. Revelation 3:20 is Jesus’ way of saying he wants a tight, personal relationship with you.
You are special to Jesus. To Jesus, you’re not ordinary. Or unappealing. Or ugly. You’re amazing to him. No matter what you or others see as your personality quirks or physical flaws, he likes you. He’s reserved a place in your heart that no one else can ever fill. And his love isn’t fickle-he won’t ditch you because you bore him.
Jesus has affectionate feelings for you. When you feel down, Jesus cares. When your life is a thrill and you’re filled with joy, Jesus celebrates with you. Because he is a God who feels, you can be sure he shares your happiness and sadness. He’s involved in every aspect of your life.
You can be intimate with Jesus. No one knows your most locked-tight thoughts and feelings like this companion. He’s glad when you share your most private thoughts with him. You can let him in on your dreams and longings and know that he understands what you mean. When your relationship with your parents is under stress, Jesus is available to listen.
Dating didn’t happen until the twentieth century. Until then, there was no youth culture, so no dating like you face today. If a young Christian man or woman was lonely, he didn’t look to his boyfriend or girlfriend for comfort and companionship. He or she sought out a family member or friend-or learned to make Jesus his most intimate friend.
Instead of expecting a special guy or girl to give you identity and security, start by looking to Jesus Christ as the one friend who will always be there for you. Choose to make him the most special person in your life.
REFLECT: When you look for identity and security, where do you start? Whom do you expect to provide that for you?
PRAY: Talk to God about his being your unfailing friend and the most important person in your life.
