Dating By Design | 5 Characteristics of a Healthy Relationship

THE PASSAGE  

Song of Songs 2:8-3:5, NIV   

Five Characteristics of a Healthy Relationship  

1. Anticipation
2. Adventure 
3. Assurance 
4. Anxiety  
5. Abstinence  

TALK IT OVER 

Icebreaker: Share a time when you felt an intense anticipation for something. How did it feel when that anticipation was finally fulfilled? 

1. Pastor Ryan taught a sermon called "Dating by Design: 5 Characteristics of a Healthy Relationship." What stood out to you from the sermon and why? Today, we will look at five characteristics of a healthy dating relationship. No matter if it's your spouse or your significant other. Let's jump in. Open your Bible to Song of Songs 2.  

2. Anticipation: Read Song of Songs 2:8-9. How does the woman express her anticipation for her beloved's arrival? How can this sense of anticipation be applied in our single, dating, or married relationships? (Cross-reference: Proverbs 13:12)  

3. Adventure: Read Song of Songs 2:10-13. What does this passage tell us about the adventure of love? How can shared adventures strengthen a relationship, regardless of our relationship status? (Cross-reference: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) 

4. Assurance: Read Song of Songs 2:14-16. How does Solomon assure his bride-to-be of his love for her? How vital is assurance in a single, dating, or married relationship? (Cross-reference: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7) 

5. In Song of Songs 2:15, foxes are mentioned. Foxes would often sneak in and ruin a vineyard. Solomon uses this metaphor for the troubles or challenges threatening their relationship. What are some common threats to many couples today? Take a minute to share how you've worked on challenges like that in the past or which ones you are facing now. Catch those foxes! Why is it so important to do this?  

6. Anxiety: Read Song of Songs 3:1-4. What does this passage tell us about the anxiety of love? How can we handle stress in our relationships, regardless of our relationship status? (Cross-reference: Philippians 4:6-7) 

7. Abstinence: Read Song of Songs 3:5. What does this verse tell us about the importance of not rushing love? How can we apply this in our lives, whether single, dating, or married? Read 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; what do we learn about this passage?  

8. How can we ensure that our relationships, or future relationships, glorify God? Look up and read. 1 Corinthians 10:31? Pastor Ryan says this is one of the most important questions to ask in considering marriage. "Can we glorify God better by being together?" If the answer is yes. It's a no-brainer! Go for it! The purpose of life is not marriage. It's to glorify God and enjoy him forever."   

9. How can we apply the lessons from the Song of Songs to our current relationship status? 

10. How can we support each other in our journeys, whether single, dating, or married? 

11. How can we pray for each other's future relationships? 

12. What is one thing you will take away from this study and apply to your life, regardless of your relationship status?

Church Update: 

You likely heard the announcement this week. In light of our encouraging growth, with 112 more people attending our services compared to last year, we also face a challenge—a $30,000 decrease in August from last year! Let's review some principles of giving from the scriptures and be faithful to apply them and pray for all those who call North Valley home!  

• 2 Corinthians 9:7 | Giving with a cheerful heart. 
• Proverbs 3:9-10 | Honoring the Lord with your wealth. 
• Malachi 3:10 | Bringing the tithe and experiencing God's blessings. 
• 1 Corinthians 16:2 | Proportionate to one income 
• Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 | Regular routine giving  

Encourage everyone to take their Next Step. If you give nothing, start by giving something. If you give something, give significantly (tithe/10%) if you give significantly, learn to give sacrificially (more than 10%) Nothing > Something > Significantly > Sacrificially.