Picture: Counsel #8 — The Love Standard CR 155.1
According to cultural standards, romantic relationships prioritize physical connection more than an emotional one; however, God wants His people to focus on what’s most important: the heart. CR 155.2
This means that the goal in any relationship is to look for fruits of the spirit in your partner’s actions. How a boyfriend or girlfriend treats you during a misunderstanding or argument will reveal not only their true intentions for the relationship, but also their heart posture. When conflict arises, does your partner give you the silent treatment, ignore your feelings, or try to use manipulation tactics on you such as gaslighting? Do they scream at you, use profanity, or make you feel like you have no voice? If so, this is not real love. True love reflects the way God loves us, and when someone truly loves you, they won’t mistreat you. A real, healthy connection will feel peaceful, even when things aren’t perfect. You deserve someone who knows how to communicate love through respect - not manipulation or fear.[162] https://www.smokylakeadventist.ca/ministries/womans-ministries/end-it-now---words-that-hurt And the person you’re with deserves for you to do the same. It is as important to be the right person as it is to be with the right person. CR 155.3
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” 1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV CR 155.4
“True love is a high and holy principle, altogether different in character from that love which is awakened by impulse, and which suddenly dies when severely tested.” Ellen White in The Adventist Home, p. 50 CR 155.5
Reflect: Do you feel respected in your relationship? CR 155.6
