Red Flags from a Graceful God
To the most graceful of Christians
As I stood at the edge of the cliff, the wind whipping through my hair and the waves crashing below, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding. It was as if the very forces of nature were warning me to turn back, to avoid the treacherous path that lay ahead.
But I didn’t listen. I was young and naive, and I thought I knew better. I thought I could handle anything that came my way. So, with a heart full of hope and a head full of dreams, I stepped out onto the narrow, rocky path that led to the other side.
It wasn’t long before I realized my mistake. The path was treacherous, and I stumbled and fell time and time again. But I refused to give up. I was determined to reach the other side, no matter what the cost.
As I struggled on, I began to notice something strange. The path was littered with red flags, warning signs that I had somehow managed to overlook. There were jagged rocks that could cut me to the bone, deep chasms that seemed to yawn hungrily at my feet, and sheer drops that threatened to send me plunging to my doom.
But I was too blinded by my own ambition to see the danger. I pressed on, convinced that I could overcome any obstacle that lay in my path.
It wasn’t until I reached the other side that I realized the full extent of my folly. I was battered and bruised, my clothes torn and my spirit broken. I had survived, but at what cost?
Looking back, I see now that the red flags were there all along. I just refused to see them. I was too blinded by my own desire to reach the other side, to achieve my goals and fulfill my dreams.
But as Christians, we are called to be wise and discerning, to be alert to the dangers that lurk around every corner. When it comes to dating and flirting, this is especially important.
“Be careful who you open your heart to,” warns pastor and bestselling author Joel Osteen. “Don’t let just anyone in. Choose wisely. You are who you associate with. You will become like the people you hang around.”
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new relationship, to overlook the red flags and ignore the warning signs. But as Christians, we are called to be mindful of the choices we make and the people we allow into our lives.
So, what are some red flags to watch out for in the dating and flirting world? Here are just a few:
Disrespect
If your partner constantly belittles you, speaks to you in a condescending tone, or ignores your boundaries, it’s time to walk away.
As 1 Peter 3:7 says, “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
Dishonesty
If your partner lies to you or withholds important information, it’s a major red flag.
As Proverbs 12:22 says, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
Controlling behavior
If your partner tries to control every aspect of your life, from what you wear to who you hang out with, it’s a sign of a toxic and unhealthy relationship.
As Ephesians 5:21 says, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Lack of commitment
If your partner is unwilling to commit to a serious relationship or takes steps to move the relationship forward, it may be a sign that they are not ready or willing to fully invest in the relationship.
As 1 Corinthians 7:39 says, “A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.”
Disinterest in your life
If your partner shows little or no interest in your life, your goals, or your values, it may be a sign that they are not truly invested in the relationship.
As 1 John 4:19 says, “We love because he first loved us.”
Lack of accountability
If your partner is unwilling to take responsibility for their actions or refuses to hold themselves accountable, it may be a sign that they are not ready for a mature and healthy relationship.
As James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
