COMPATIBILITY: CHOOSING THE RIGHT PARTNER
Building Deep Relationships — THE GOD WAY
God: “It isn’t good for the man to live alone. I [need to] make a suitable partner for him.” Genesis 2:18 (CEV)
“If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But [people who are alone when they fall are in] real trouble.” Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NLT)
(2) MYTHS about Finding a Mate
1. God chooses your mate for you – He does not – you choose.
2. There’s only one single right person who was custom made for you in heaven, and that’s the only right person you should marry. Not true.
LIFE IS ABOUT PARTNERSHIPS
YOU MUST HAVE SPIRITUAL COMPATIBILITY
“Stop forming inappropriate relationships with unbelievers. Can right and wrong be partners? Can light have anything in common with darkness?… Can a believer share life with an unbeliever?” 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 (GW)
“Do not unite yourself with an unbeliever; they are no fit mates for you.” 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NEB)
“… I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you.” Romans 1:12 (NCV)
YOU MUST HAVE LIFE PURPOSE COMPATIBILITY
“Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” Amos 3:3 (NLT)
“Brothers and sisters, you are holy partners in a heavenly calling.” Hebrews 3:1a (GW)
IT HELPS TO HAVE PERSONAL COMPATIBILITY
“God works through different [people] in different ways…” 1 Corinthians 12:6 (PHILLIPS)
Here’s the point: COMPATIBILITY is a CHOICE!
It takes (3) things to have personal compatibility.
I. Willingness to ADAPT
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 (NIV)
II. Emotional MATURITY
“Are you immature? Learn to be mature. Are you foolish? Learn to have sense.” Proverbs 8:5 (GNT)
III. EFFORT!
“… Let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help [each] other with encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault.” Romans 14:19 (MSG)
IF YOU WANT TO FIND THE RIGHT MARRIAGE PARTNER
1. Begin a personal relationship with Christ yourself.
2. Make a commitment to God’s standard in a partner.
3. Don’t date until your own emotional hurts are healed!
4. Discover & clarify your Life Mission first!
5. Get involved in a church family with Godly Singles.
6. Go slow. Find out all you can about a person & their family!
7. Get premarital counseling.