Have you ever watched a romantic comedy and wished your own love story would play out the same way? It’s easy to get caught up in the fairytale-soulmate idea that culture has us buy into, but the truth is that real life doesn’t always end happily ever after like the movies would have us believe. 

Here are 3 ways to dismantle this idea and date God’s way:

1. Focus on Complementing, Not Completing

The first principle of dating God’s way is to understand that our romantic relationships are not meant to complete us, but rather to complement the work of God in us. We should not look for someone to fulfill every desire and need we have, but rather seek to build healthy relationships that complement our individual journeys with God.

2. Move from Self-centeredness to Self-sacrifice

The goal of life is not to get married and have children. Jesus said we were created to have healthy relationships, and this means learning to be selfless and sacrifice our own desires for the sake of our partner. Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect, trust, and communication, and require effort and commitment from both sides.

3. Pursue God First

The most important relationship we can have is with God. When we prioritize our relationship with Him, we become the best version of ourselves and are better equipped to build healthy relationships with others. We should seek to find someone who shares our values and beliefs, and who also has a personal relationship with God.

Dating God’s way requires a shift in our mindset from the fairytale-soulmate idea to a mindset of complementing, self-sacrifice, and pursuing God first. Let’s remember that healthy relationships take work, and that the goal is not to find someone to complete us, but rather to build relationships that complement and enhance our individual journeys with God.