So I want to talk about purity… (Insert awkward silence). I know, when we think of purity, our thoughts immediately go to sexual purity. While that is a part of it, the root of purity goes much deeper than that. 1 Peter 1:22, “Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.” Sisters, the root of our purity comes from the heart and from obedience to THE truth, which is the word of God. For a while, I always had assumed that when the Bible talked about purity, it meant sexual purity; I obviously did not have the big picture!! Purity is not a checklist of do’s and don’ts. Purity in the eyes of Jesus is from the heart that seeks to honor God in all circumstances; it is discerning, gentle, and merciful, far deeper than the exterior (James 3:17). In a relationship, this can be the boundaries that you and your significant other set so that Christ can be magnified through your relationship. Loving someone in a relationship that honors Christ means sacrificing those things that may seem pleasurable now for the greater good of you and your significant other guarding each other’s hearts.
I would also encourage you ladies who wish to date, find a man who is willing to step out of his comfort zone for you. Does he approach you when you are with your friends? Does he find ways to talk to you, just for the sake of having a conversation? Has he been intentional with where he wants to take your relationship, or with goals for a future relationship you are hoping for? If you are a woman of God, you are worth the pursuit! Him stepping out of his comfort zone for you shows that he values you as a woman. When I first asked my now girlfriend out on our first date, one of the things I told myself (because I was very shy, and awkward), was that “she is so worth me stepping out of my comfort zone.” For me, this has set a precedent for the future and helped me shape my intentions throughout our relationship. If he is not clear on his intentions, don’t be afraid to ask. The end goal of dating is marriage and if a guy is not clear on his intentions for a relationship, that is a big red flag! Remember, you were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20), wait for a man who honors the Lord by taking care of your heart and being intentional with you!
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from Graham McNeely...
Dear Sisters,
Know you
are seen. Know you are loved, appreciated, and spoken highly of. Know you are
viewed as passionate followers of Jesus, strong in many capacities that we as
your brothers admire greatly. Know your devotion to and pursuit of the Father
is remarkable, and does not go unnoticed. Know you specifically are seen as a
picture of God’s beauty, both in aesthetics and heart. Know we are proud of
you, and we love you. Thank you for the encouraging words that stem from your
tender hearts. You may never know their significance. Believe that every
protest your mind came up with to what you have read so far is something none
of us will ever think or fathom, and is likely not true. Trust that we, as your
brothers, do pray for you often. Please pray for us, too. Believe that we
often-difficult men do learn from you. Have grace and forgiveness for us when
we do mess up, we are all figuring this life out, too. Accept our apology if
you have never heard any of these statements before. Most of all, please keep
loving and worshiping our God, for He is so worthy.
Peace be with you,
Sean(Left-being funny) Senior at CNU Graham(Right-smiling) Junior at CNU
- Brothers
“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal
covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the
sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us
what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and
ever. Amen.” -Hebrews 13:20-21
