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The term "Godly relationship" is pretty vague. It pops up whenever Christians talk about dating, but what does it even mean? The way I see it, the idea of a Godly relationship, one that keeps God at the center, is both simple and complex at the same time.

To put it simply, a Godly relationship happens when God is the most important factor in the relationship. But how can you make sure to keep God is the most important part of your relationship?

I thought God was at the center of my relationship with Tanner, my first boyfriend. Our relationship was very physically pure and we went to church together all the time, we even went to the same week-long church camp! We broke up when Tanner left for college and it was then that I realized our relationship was built on fun, not God. Having a relationship built on fun sounds ridiculous in retrospect, but it's easy to do. We were dating because we had fun together, not because we challenged each other in a way that drew us closer to God.

Examples of relationships are all over the Bible. God created Adam and Eve to have a relationship with Him and each other; we see the clear relationship between Jesus and His Father, and the example of pure love between Christ and us - His church. Dating relationships are important to God, too, which is why it's so important that we honor God through dating. There are several ways to make sure God is at the center of your relationship. First, make sure your relationship with God doesn't take a back seat to your new love interest. Prioritize God in your life and He will be a priority in your relationship as well. As you both are growing closer to God, you'll grow closer to each other, too.

Next, talk about God! Find out what your girlfriend or boyfriend is reading in the Bible and what they're learning. It's also very important to make sure your relationship is physically pure. Set your physical standards before you start dating someone, they'll be easier to keep that way.

Relationships are also a good place to apply Godly principals like loving one another, forgiveness and encouragement. Also, look to God for decisions regarding your relationship. Pray for God's guidance, wisdom and direction. Remember 1 John 4:19, "We love because He first loved us." God is the reason for our relationships, He should be the most important part of them!

Learn more about this author, A. South.
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