Finding True Love in Jesus: Dating our Bestie and Sharing His Love with Others

In a world where love is often misconstrued and relationships may leave us feeling empty, scarred & plain scared. Making imagining a relationship with Jesus  seem too distant or abstract. However, when we invite Jesus into the deepest parts of our lives, we experience a love that surpasses all understanding. This divine romance not only fills our hearts but also extends to how we love others around us. Let's talk about how to "date" Jesus.

1. Inviting Jesus into Your Heart

The first step to dating Jesus is simple yet profound: inviting Him into your heart. In Revelation 3:20 (MSG), Jesus says, "Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I'll come right in and sit down to supper with you." This passage paints a picture of Jesus waiting patiently for you to welcome Him into your life. To start this relationship, spend time in prayer, expressing your desire to know Him more intimately and asking Him to reveal His love in profound secret ways.

2. Experiencing Jesus' True Love

Once you’ve invited Jesus in, the journey of experiencing His true love begins. Unlike human relationships, Jesus' love is unconditional and everlasting. Ephesians 3:18-19 (MSG) describes this love vividly: "And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God." Engage with this love through worship, reading the Scriptures, and intentional time spent. Allow His love to transform your heart and mind.

3. Noticing Your Progress

As you deepen your relationship with Jesus, you'll notice changes within yourself. Galatians 5:22-23 (MSG) highlights the fruits of the Spirit that will begin to emerge: "But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely."

Take time to reflect on these changes. Are you more patient? More loving? More compassionate? Keeping a journal can help you track these spiritual fruits and appreciate the work Jesus is doing in your life.

4. Building Healthy Biblical Habits

Developing new, healthy biblical habits will reinforce your growing relationship. Start with daily practices:

Prayer: Create a consistent prayer routine. Philippians 4:6-7 (MSG) encourages us: "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down."

Scripture Reading: Dive into the Word daily. Psalm 119:105 (MSG) beautifully expresses its importance: "By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path."

Worship and Thanksgiving: Cultivate a spirit of gratitude. Colossians 3:16 (MSG) says, "Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness."

5. Sharing His Love with Others

As your relationship with Jesus deepens, His love will naturally overflow into your interactions with others. 1 John 4:11-12 (MSG) reminds us: "My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!"

Acts of Kindness: Look for opportunities to serve others selflessly.

Encouragement: Speak words of hope and affirmation, reflecting Christ's love.

Forgiveness: Embrace forgiveness as Jesus did, showing mercy.

A Journey of Love

Dating Jesus is an ongoing journey of discovering and experiencing His boundless love. As you grow in this beautiful relationship, the transformation within you will naturally extend to others, creating ripples of His love in the world around you. Embrace this journey with a compassionate heart, knowing that Jesus is with you every step of the way, guiding you into deeper love and understanding. Let your life be a testament to the extravagant love of Jesus, radiating His grace and compassion to everyone you encounter.