Suitable Partners

Getting into the perspective of love is always a good idea. It is especially important during times of upheaval, discord, social unrest, and political uncertainty. Alarm, fear, trauma, hurt, and crisis can all overshadow love. Love, on the other hand, is always available, even though it may be difficult to recognize or awaken. It will be easier if you have a better understanding and curiosity about it.

    

We don’t know how love would come to every individual. Its dynamics differ from one person to another. Others would find it in the most unexpected way possible. Some would be nurtured through time. God keeps a timeline for all His children, especially in the area of finding love. All the meetings and pairing are according to His purpose and perfect time. No one can question His unfathomable workings in our lives. God has a business of making a suitable partner for you and at the same time molding you to become one as well.
    Many would wonder, “How come I have been through so many heartbreaks before I found the one?” Let us not forget that, we have our free will that governs our choices. God gave us the freedom to choose and it could have been that our choices were not the same as what God has in store for us. This can be the cause of all the delays and heartbreaks. Our choices would sometimes be dominated by our personal desires. Desires which are not aligned with His purposes for us. We would tend to claim the reign and let our standards be enthroned. That’s where one comes across the wrong person and the wrong time. In fact, they may appear wrong, yet they are the right experiences that God allowed for us to be able to see the right path He has prepared for us where you would finally meet the suitable partner who is the right person at the right time.
    Eventually, when two individuals commit themselves to the sacred covenant, it is necessary to know that it is not only as simple as changing your status. It is about opening most of yourselves to each other. A psychologist developed a triangular theory of love. It consists of passion, intimacy, and commitment. You should understand each component to achieve the kind of love that you want. Above all, we must know that love originated from God. He loved us first and He loves us foremost.  Love is active. It is not only something that we feel, but it is something that we do because no matter how two individuals do their best to fulfill the obligations in marriage without love it is worthless.
    

Marriage without God, who is love in it is a competition. Both the wife and the husband would compete with each other in terms of role, responsibility, career, etc. On the other hand, marriage with the presence of God thrives for completion. Aim to complete not compete. The wife and the husband would complete each other’s roles, responsibilities, careers, etc. It is the kind of union where the unconditional love of God binds them. No one in this union is the master of the other. Yes, wives should be inclined to submission, yet it is as it is to the Lord. Both of them must understand that they entered into a relationship of three with God as the center of it. As it is said in Philippians 2:1-2, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.”
    Jesus’ humility should be reflected in the union instead of angry outbursts, disrespectful judgments, and selfish demands. Open and honest communication nurtures trust, respect, and love, renews intimacy, and conquers conflicts, and as a part of communicating effectively, knowing each other’s love languages is essential.
    In fact, marriage is also a ministry and like any other ministry of God, it should and must be founded by prayers. This is how a marriage can achieve unity with Christ. Praying together, and praying for each other. Devoting quality time to God should never be neglected. This is the most important aspect of marriage that could check and balance the status of the relationship. Enriching each other with the fruits of the Holy Spirit: joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and most of all --- LOVE. The love of God and the relationship of love in all aspects should be maintained.

 
To my Dearest Emily,

    As I look back, we haven’t had so many conversations about love and relationship in a personal and serious sense. We were just carefree about it.  Always know that my heart is filled with so much joy and pride to see you reaching your milestones. I know that we had so many plans that we had set to do together. Yet, I know that you understand that some things don't just work as how we planned them to. Watching you fulfilling those dreams makes me feel victorious as well. I always admire your determination toward pursuing and achieving your goals. Just like how you decided to commit to this lifelong relationship. Honestly, from the very beginning, when you made that decision to continue your relationship after a little confusion that happened, I already knew that you will take your journey together to eternity. Your relationship has already been through the tests of time and distance. Getting married just makes it official and will take it to another level. 
    Now that you have entered this covenant, yes, there will be a lot of changes, but please know that you are the same person as you are. I will always pray for both of you. For you to remain an inspiration to those who look up to you as God would allow you to be. I pray that your union as suitable partners will be founded by God's standards, not of this world.  I pray that God will always guide and protect both of you, and fill each of you with His unconditional love which will carry you all throughout.

    Love that is enough and sufficient.  Love that is patient. Love that is kind. One that does not envy, does not boast, and is not proud. Love that does not dishonor others, that is not self-seeking. Love that is not easily angered, that keeps no record of wrongs. Love that does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Love that always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love that never fails. Love that is from God alone.

    I pray that God will continue to equip you and keep you. We might not see each other most of the time, but please know that I will always be here. You are one of the best things that God allowed to happen in my life. I love you, my bestest friend.

Always and Forever

AIZA