Page 61 - #LoveWarrior

person's truth reveals what route they want to take. What we define as truth determines our beliefs, our values, our
morals, and our ethics. When this life finds us in an impossible fight, we are sure to see the importance of a warrior
beside us who is: one, fighting for the same kingdom, two, reaching for the same weapons, and three, wearing the
same armor.

Let me issue a warning: your definition of a Christian might differ from the next person’s. Make sure the believer
you pair yourself with is someone who uses the same language and action sequence. Sadly, they are not all created
equal. For example, I believe in the Trinity. I have experienced something different from all three: the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Spirit. I have felt conviction from God the Father, unconditional love from the Son, Jesus Christ,
and comfort from the Holy Spirit. To add a little fun to it, when I think Holy Spirit, I think of the abbreviation HS
and think HD or High Definition! Yes, thank you, I prefer to experience my life in HD with the HS. However, the
Trinity is just one of the few very controversial topics – along with speaking in tongues, homosexuality, and the
rapture (to name a few) – that have been known to cause division in a church and relationships. Make sure your
foundational truths are the same because when we tie ourselves to the wrong person, we run the risk of transmitting
spiritual infections.

It is vital to ensure one of two things are true: one, you both are on the same mission, or two, your missions
complement one another. Our mission in life is our calling. Our calling is part of who we are. And because our
identity as believers is rooted in the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we must be equally yoked with someone who
recognizes their identity as having the same foundation – Jesus Christ. If there is a difference in this foundation, both
people are sure to feel compromise at some point. This is where destruction begins. If, in any way, one person feels
as if their values have not been taken into account, you will quickly become an easy target, a breakable seal. The
team is not strong, so the likely outcome here? Defeat and death. I don't know about you, but that sounds like a
double-D pair that will not enhance a relationship.

Expectations
As Shakespeare once said, “Expectation is the root of all heartbreak.” Defined by Webster’s Dictionary as a strong
belief that something will happen or be the case in the future, the expectations we hold for ourselves and others are
crucial. How accurately these are met will determine how happy we are. It will also determine how unhappy we feel
if they are not met. That being said, we must know ourselves inside and out in order to communicate what those
needs are correctly. You must know what your expectations for a relationship are before investing too much energy
and emotion into a potential mate. How do you define what it means to be a man? A woman? What are the
responsibilities of a man? What are the responsibilities of a woman? What are the privileges entitled to a man? What
are the privileges entitled to a woman? Then break that down: friends, courting, exclusive, engaged, and, lastly,
husband and wife. What are you expecting from this person? What are you expecting from the relationship? Or are
you expecting nothing from the relationship? What do you need from them? Why is that need important to you?
What do you feel is the purpose of the relationship? Are you someone who feels as if the purpose of your
relationship should be in alignment with God's purpose for your lives as a couple and individuals?

Remember, though, the special man or woman in your life is not meant to fulfill the needs in your heart that only
God can fill. Do not put that on them. Your relationship with Christ should always come first. It is there where we
are truly satisfied. As humans, we are not designed nor meant to carry the weight only our Savior can bear. Let Jesus
pull through for your loved one when you can't. That is His role as our God. In the appendix, we will walk through
an exercise surrounding expectations and how to properly document them, reflect on them, and evaluate if they are
reasonable.

Social Media
Social media is an accepted form of communication these days. But when does it go too far? Where are the healthy
boundaries? What healthy statements should be made on social media to protect your partner and the safety of the
relationship from harm? What do you feel needs to be said to let the world know you are in a committed relationship
and wish to remain faithful? Cyberspace is quickly becoming this age group’s County Clerk Office of Records. As a
matter of fact, it is even better. The amount of information people share on their social media is quickly surpassing
any recorder of public records.

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