Joe and Jessa for the next 10 plus years you will be developing an idea of the person who you want to marry. I was single for a long time while I waited for your daddy. Along the way I was given excellent advice, challenged by what the Bible said and inspired by those around me. I would like to share with you what God taught me and I hope that it will help you on your journey.
Making a List: In college I had a beautiful, intelligent, outgoing, Christian friend. One day she told me that she had a list of qualities that she was looking for in a man. I asked her if I could see the list. I took one glance and laughed. Not 10, 20 or even 40 but 80 things. Her list included everything from looks, manners, priorities, hobbies, goals, talents, skills, Biblical beliefs, holiday celebrations and more. I thought it was a little over the top BUT in the end she married a tremendous young man who really loved the Lord. The list was her personal standard of what she was waiting for in a relationship. She was very friendly towards others but guarded her heart until she met him.
I Thessalonians 4:1-8 God holds me accountable for my actions. He wants me treat people with respect and not take advantage of them. I need to leave everyone better than how I found them.
Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk andto please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification:[b] that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body[c] in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us forimpurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God,
who gives his Holy Spirit to you. I Thessalonians 4:1-8
"You should marry the person you can better serve the Lord with than you can by yourself." My friend Kyle shared this thought with me as we ate carrots and peanut butter in the dining hall at college. I never forgot it!
Song I PROMISE by Jaci Velasquez. I heard a high school girl sing this at church. I was challenged to sing with her in my heart.
Looking back on my life I am so grateful for your daddy and that God saved him for me. I don't know who God has in store for you but I pray that you will commit this aspect of your life to Him. I am praying that you will be able to love and be loved in the way God created it to be demonstrated...For His Glory!
I Promise by Jaci Velasquez