"The One"

Are you tired of searching for the right person? Do you find yourself constantly looking for someone who meets your expectations and needs, but never seem to find them? If so, you might want to hear what our pastors had to say about relationships this weekend.

In the latest sermon, we learned that: "We will never find the right person until we start becoming the person the person we're looking for is looking for." Becoming "the one" is more important than finding "the one".

According to God's Word, becoming "the one" puts the pressure on us to change and improve ourselves. Instead of focusing on finding someone who meets our standards, we should focus on becoming the person that our ideal partner is looking for.

So what areas should we focus on to become the right person? The Bible gives us a clear guide on what love should look like. When we read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, we discover 15 characteristics of biblical love that will help us focus on becoming "the one".

1. Love is patient: This means being slow to anger and willing to endure difficult circumstances without complaining.
2. Love is kind: This means showing compassion and generosity towards others, even when they may not deserve it.
3. Love does not envy: This means not being jealous of what others have or accomplish, but rather rejoicing with them.
4. Love does not boast: This means not being arrogant or overly proud, but rather being humble and recognizing the contributions of others.
5. Love is not proud: This means being willing to admit mistakes and seek forgiveness when necessary, rather than insisting on being right all the time.
6. Love is not rude: This means being polite and respectful towards others, even in difficult situations.
7. Love does not demand its own way: This means being willing to compromise and work towards common goals, rather than insisting on getting everything one's own way.
8. Love is not irritable: This means being patient and calm in the face of frustration or annoyance, rather than becoming angry or short-tempered.
9. Love keeps no record of wrongs: This means forgiving others and not holding grudges or dwelling on past mistakes.
10. Love does not rejoice in injustice: This means standing up for what is right and just, even when it may be difficult or unpopular.
11. Love rejoices in truth: This means valuing honesty and integrity, and seeking to live in accordance with these values.
12. Love never gives up: This means persevering through difficult times and never losing hope, even when things seem impossible.
13. Love never loses faith: This means trusting in God and his plan, even when it may not be clear or easy to understand.
14. Love is always hopeful: This means looking towards the future with optimism and a sense of possibility, even in the face of adversity.
15. Love endures through every circumstance: This means remaining steadfast and committed to one's values and relationships, even in the face of hardship or challenge.

It's important to note that these qualities are not just feelings or emotions, but actions that produce them. As followers of Jesus, we should strive to live out these qualities in our relationships, and not just expect others to do so.

It's easy to get caught up in looking for the right person, but maybe it's time to shift our focus on becoming the right person. It might not be easy or comfortable, but the sacrifice and work to grow and mature will be worth it in the end.

Let's become the one the one we're looking for is looking for.

- Adapted from sermons across our 3 campuses on April 23, 2023.