Not every connection or attraction is meant to become a relationship. Many of us rush in, driven by feelings, loneliness, or the pressure of what others expect, without stopping to carefully consider whether the person and the timing align with God’s will.
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. – Proverbs 4:23
A relationship is more than companionship; it has the power to shape your life, your character, and your spiritual walk. Before you allow someone to take a place in your heart, here are five important things to look out for
1. Character over Charm
It is easy to be drawn to someone’s charm, but charm alone is never enough to sustain a relationship. Words, gestures, and attention can be impressive at first, yet the true measure of a person lies in their character—how they act when no one is watching, how they treat people who cannot benefit them, and how they handle difficult situations.
Someone with strong character will be honest, reliable, and consistent, even when it is inconvenient or when mistakes are made. Choosing someone with genuine character protects your heart from unnecessary pain and lays a foundation of trust that charm alone cannot provide.
2. Spiritual Alignment
Spiritual alignment goes far beyond attending the same church or believing in the same doctrines. It is about sharing similar convictions, priorities, and a mutual desire to follow God wholeheartedly.
Before you pursue a relationship, consider whether this person will encourage your growth in faith, challenge you to become more Christlike, and honor God in their own life.
A relationship without spiritual alignment may feel comfortable at first, but over time, the differences in values and priorities will create tension and conflict. When both hearts are aligned with God, the relationship has a foundation that is far stronger than attraction alone.
Yesterday, while in church, I was getting ready to mount the pulpit when I was led to these verses and it was a spur-of-the-moment revelation. I would like to share this with you this morning. You are going to be blessed!
We have been looking at gratitude and this word only comes to validate it more.
Let’s dive into the river of God’s word!
2Ch 32:24 (MSG) Some time later Hezekiah became deathly sick. He prayed to GOD and was given a reassuring sign.
So this guy was sick and the doctor must have told him he would die. He prayed and God came through for him.
Now see the next verse.
2Ch 32:25 (MSG) But the sign, instead of making Hezekiah grateful, made him arrogant. This made GOD angry, and his anger spilled over on Judah and Jerusalem.
After God reassured him he wouldn’t die, he wasn’t grateful! Rather he was filled with arrogance. He never gave glory to God!
This made God angry towards him and the entire cities he presided over.
How many of us are right on this table, not giving glory to God, prayed for a job and after getting the job, refused to pay tithe, prayed for a spouse, and after the wedding, asking God what kind of marriage the is?
But I like what Hezekiah did.
2Ch 32:26 (MSG) But then Hezekiah, and Jerusalem with him, repented of his arrogance, and GOD withdrew his anger while Hezekiah lived.
God wasn’t pleased at his arrogance! But the guy was smart. He repented and you can do the same. Recent of arrogance and ascribe all gratefulness to God! I wonder what would have happened to him if God didn’t withdraw His anger.
Done Deal: He Will See To It
The next verse will amaze you!
2Ch 32:27 (MSG) Hezekiah ended up very wealthy and much honored. He built treasuries for all his silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and valuables,
Wow! The devil didn’t want this for him when he made him arrogant!
As you give honour to God, you will end up wealthy!
And then check this:
2Ch 32:29 (MSG) He founded royal cities for himself and built up huge stocks of sheep and cattle. God saw to it that he was extravagantly rich.
He found cities! Wow! But that is not even what is tripping me! It’s the last sentence!
God saw to it that he was extravagantly rich.
This morning, as you decide to be grateful always, God will SEE TO IT that you are extravagantly rich!
This message is so vast and deep. Meditate on it. Good morning!
