It was great to be at the Texas Ministry Conference again this year. It has become like a family reunion for us reconnecting with friends across Texas who are Pastors, ministers and church staff.

A young lady in her late twenties who has never been married approached us to ask a serious question. “Why is love so important?” She went on to explain that she has been in a few developing relationships but has yet to find the man she believes God has in store for her. Yet she finds herself wishing that she did not have a desire to marry as she struggles with loneliness which leads to sadness and frustration.

We believe the answer has its roots in our origins.

1. God made us in His image. In the beginning, He created the first man and first woman, like Him. In fact, we are the only creatures on the earth that are described in this way. (Genesis 1:27)
2. God is love. The source of all joy, warmth, light and love is God. God is not just loving, He is love. All love has its source in Him. (1 John 4:8)
3. God built us to need another. God created man and than saw that “it was not good for him to be alone.” The desire in your heart to connect, love and belong to another is God given. It is not a defect. It is not you being needy. It is how God built you. (Genesis 2:18)
4. Love is not just what we do it is who we are. You will love, because you are made like God, to love. You may love well or may love in unhealthy and even evil ways, but you will love. It is part of you. It is how God built you. (John 13:34)
5. God wants you to be connected to Him and to your spouse. God designed marriage for you. He wants to talk to you and listen to you every day. And He desires for you to also love and connect with someone else.
6. Until you find and connect with a spouse, God wants you to keep growing. Grow in your relationship with Him. Grow in becoming the best person you can be. Grow in trusting God and in your faith in what He believes. Grow in obedience.

There is nothing wrong with being single. In fact Paul encourages you to devote yourself only to God if you can do it. But if you cannot, marriage is where you should have your relationship. (I Corinthians 7:8-9)

What do you have to say?

We love to hear from readers.  How would you answer Ginny’s question?  How are you living love?  What are you doing to grow in your relationship with God?  In what ways are you growing to be the person God created you to be?  What other suggestions you would add to this article? Do you know someone you need to forward this article to?

This article was written by Roy and Devra Wooten, authors of “The Secret to a Lifetime Love”. Learn more at www.LifeTogetherForever.com © Roy and Devra Wooten 2016. All Rights Reserved. You may replicate this article as long as it is provided free to recipients and includes appropriate attribution. Written permission for other use may be obtained at [email protected].