Dating: True Love Is Not Blind

Samuel was a young, bright and warm young man. At work, at college, in all his circles. He smiled and expressed kindness, seemed capable of doing everything well.

Elisa was the ultimate expression of human love trapped in a person's body, in love with God and committed to her relationship with Him.

She met Samuel in college, and as they shared classes they soon became good friends. Before long, something more than friendship was emerging. A very delicate love began to cultivate and everything seemed to be going very well. They were both Christians, which seemed to be a plus.

Soon the families came into play and Samuel would meet Elisa's parents as her boyfriend, officially. As expected, Samuel, with his people skills, won the family over in a heartbeat. Everyone commented on how good and diligent the girl's boyfriend was.

Then something changed.

As time passed, and with it, the charm, Samuel began to take on attitudes he had not shown at first, becoming jealous, possessive and controlling. He had done it so subtly that the loving Elisa was unable to notice it for a long time.

One day Elisa attended a meeting with some friends she had not seen for a long time. There was so much to talk about and thousands of laughs to share that she didn't notice when her boyfriend called her repeatedly on her cell phone. When he noticed the missed calls, she called him to tell him about her reunion with her friends. Her surprise was enormous when she noticed Samuel's attitude. He started yelling at her and questioning her version of the story, insinuating that she must have met another guy and that was why she was not answering his calls.

In a threatening tone he warned her that this would be the last time she would not answer the phone on time, she could even hear him throwing things on the floor as he let out his frustration.

Elisa had been raised by her parents in such a way that she should respect others, but she should also expect respect and love towards her. In an instant she realized that this violent attitude on Samuel's part could not be something isolated and that it would soon escalate to more, she remembered every previous occasion in which he had shown signs of his behavior and she had ignored it. She knew instantly that, deep down, he was not the perfect guy she had seen in him and that she should not wait any longer to end their relationship.

She felt her heart was at a crossroads and slowly breaking as she realized that her love could not be. Someone who disrespected her like that could not be a good husband at all.

Their relationship ended that same day and although Samuel tried to apologize and make her believe that this attitude would never happen again, Elisa knew that his intentions, although they seemed golden, were nothing more than an embellished lie and she distanced herself completely from him.

Elisa met another man and after cultivating a beautiful relationship they decided to get married and now she is happy, next to a man who respects and loves her.

She also learned from some friends she had in common with Samuel that he got married and some time later was accused by his partner of domestic violence.

"Let love be without pretense. Abhor what is evil, follow what is good. Love one another with brotherly love; as for honor, preferring one another."-Romans 12:9-10

When you reach a level of maturity in your life where you plan to share plans, goals and happiness with another person, it is a step that requires great meditation. One seeks not to fail in surrendering one's heart.

It will be God who will provide the discernment, if you allow it, to discover if that person is the partner to choose in sickness and in health, for the rest of your life, to share experiences, pains and blessings.

However, many times temptation will present itself as that wonderful opportunity, and faith will be put to the test.

If you are at the time in your life when you must make this decision, never forget that God loves you and wants you to find happiness with a person who also loves you sincerely. Do not make a decision lightly, dating is a stage that you should not rush and much less skip. It is the stage in which you must know carefully the person you want to accept as your spouse for the rest of your life, you must pay attention to every detail and know how to put an end to any relationship that is not convenient, even if you think you love the other person too much, do not let your feelings decide before reason. Remember that true love is not blind.

Follow the advice that God has left in the Bible, pay attention to the words of those around you who love you, your family, your church. Many times God speaks through other people to advise and warn us. With prayer and faith you will be able to discern the best decision for your life.
If you are a person who has already passed the stage of choosing a partner. Maybe you did very well, or maybe you made a mistake and now you regret it. Don't forget that God also has the power to heal us and help us overcome the mistakes we made, although sometimes we must learn to bear the consequences. Remember that you must teach your children, nieces/nephews, grandchildren and any other loved ones to love, respect and demand respect. No one should make them feel less valuable. Above all, teach them to depend on God and to know how to listen to His voice and follow in His footsteps.