So often, a girl dreams of her prince charming. Naturally, he will come in riding on a white stallion, rescue her from her distress, and then ride off into the sunset where the couple will live happily ever after… like a scene from a fairytale. Yet, for guys… it’s more like a scene from an action movie… the scantily dressed, attractive woman clinging onto them, and being the ultimate protector of the woman in need – looking very handsome, and buff, of course.

Okay… so we have to break it to you – these ideals are not real!  There is so much more to a relationship than that.  In our perspective, there are two main principles that need to lived out in relationships… not only relationships, but in love. Yes, the “L” word. Get over it, and read on…

The first aspect of love is commitment.  This is needed both in a friendship, and in a more serious relationship.  Commitment really shows the level of sincerity in the relationship. Without the knowledge that there is commitment, the relationship is unstable and will eventually cease to exist. Our second point of view on love is the willingness to sacrifice. This is the harderprinciple of the two to grasp. This is due to our fear of opening ourselves up and giving ourselves to another human, as there is anticipation that they will get hurt. There is a common saying that coincides this principle, “If you let love go free, and it comes back, it was meant to be”. This gives us the example that we must be willing to sacrifice ourselves in order to attain something of much greater worth.

Ultimately, the best example of love is God’s. Wherever you are in your relationship status, it is crucial to apply these principles, as they can be used in any scenario.  What it really, truly comes down to is that our relationship with God needs to be right. We can dream, but be careful not to let this world’s ideals take over reality. Protect your heart, yet let the One who defines love in, so that He may teach you more than you ever thought was possible.

Article by Mike Wilson & Sarah Robertshaw