Relationships

Relationships. It's something all kids and adults think about. Whether you're about to get married, are married, or are just dating, relationships is something we all think of. I have been reading a plan on the YouVersion Bible App called Fighting FOMO. FOMO stands for Fear Of Missing Out. And it has a lot to say about relationships, friendships and romance. So, I'm gonna take some excerpts from it. Enjoy!

"FOMO: Dating. Relationships in middle and high school can be pointless. So why date? What are we afraid of missing out on? Probably the fun, the make-out sessions, and the “awwww”-inspiring Instagrams that can come with it. But what we don’t see is the distraction, regret, isolation, and heartbreak that can also come along with dating.You see, God created relationships so a man and a woman could glorify God, enjoy one another, and move toward marriage. He created them to be the best. While dating in school isn’t bad, it might not be the best. In Song of Solomon, the author continually urges the reader not to “stir up or awaken love until it pleases.” The Bible even goes further to promise us that God makes everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).So maybe it’s OK to miss out on the couple’s photos and date nights right now. Embrace being single now in order to say “yes” to what is best later."

Song of Solomon 2:7 King James Version (KJV)

7 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 King James Version (KJV)

11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

FOMO: Friendship

Ever felt like you have more “squad goals” than, you know...a squad? You’re not alone—even if you are physically alone. Because nobody over the age of four wants imaginary friends and nobody wants to sit at home alone watching Netflix EVERY night. (OK yeah, maybe a few of us would.) It’s nice feeling like people understand you and enjoy being around you. The danger is that sometimes we’ll hang out with anybody just to feel like we have somebody. And it’s not always worth it. “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Gaining a friend is not worth losing yourself. The friends you have now are leading you to be the kind of person you will be later. Do not be misled; be correctly led. “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need” (Proverbs 17:17). Great friends will lead you to the best version of yourself. You will feel more loved, accepted, challenged, and encouraged no matter what. Never settle for “friends” that don’t have your best in mind. And never settle for “friends” that don’t care about your relationship with Jesus. Fight for friendships that are built on helping each other listen to Jesus and do what He says.

1 Corinthians 15:33 King James Version (KJV)

33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Proverbs 17:17 King James Version (KJV)

17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

2 Corinthians 6:14 King James Version (KJV)

14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

If you want to see more like this, check out the YouVersion Bible app where you can find tons of bible plans, like Fighting FOMO!

God bless always!

- Caleb R.