Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Oneness

A woman should understand that it is inappropriate to pursue or engage in physical, emotional or spiritual oneness with a man to whom she is not married.

Ephesians 5:3-4 says "But among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind, or greed, as these are not fitting for the saints.  Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting - all of which are out of character - but rather thanksgiving." 

You see, SISTAHS, it's more than just abstaining from sex; to be a true and respectful woman, it's also about watching what you say and how you believe.

For many women, the struggle in relationships isn't a physical issue; rather, it's of a spiritual and emotional matter.  Therefore, to avoid developing spiritual ties, you must conduct yourself appropriate with men whom you consider "friends".  Be careful about praying with or sharing other spiritually and emotionally intimate experiences one-on-one with men whom you consider "friends".

You also need to be cautious about whom you express your hopes, dreams, and fears.  Women have been designed to "naturally" connect with men, but you must always use wisdom and be on guard about your interactions with the opposite sex.

She Trains Her Thought Life Not to Lust After Men

A woman should dress modestly so that she does not cause men to stumble, and she trains her thought life not to lust after men.

Excerpt from "When Love's In View" by Dr. Conway & Jada Edwards  

Romans 14:13 underscores this principle: “Therefore we must not pass judgment on one another, but rather determine never to place an obstacle or a trap before a brother or sister.”  To put it simply, women must be very careful about what they wear.  The focus of men’s interest is physical by nature.  They don’t need any help from us in conjuring up physical desire.  If this happens to be a struggle for you and you often feel convicted, earnestly pray and ask the  Lord to show you how to make the appropriate changes in your dress and lifestyle.  God will respond by giving you the grace to help you make the necessary adjustments in your behavior.

As you pursue the heart of God, you will find that what may have been acceptable in the past is no longer acceptable to you.

And SISTAHS, let’s not forget our duty to lovingly, yet boldly encourage and challenge younger ladies as to what they wear – not just talk about them as they walk by.

Experiencing Healthy Relationships

We live in a world where physical and emotional promiscuity is very prevalent.  Guys engage in unhealthy, codependent relationships with women.  Some women strive to hold on to men who do not desire a commitment.  The culture of our day encourages individuals to simply date to marry rather than marry to date.  People want the benefits of marriage without the responsibility and the commitment that is inherent in the marriage union.  They want to enjoy the companionship, comfort, protection, and even financial benefit without entering the covenant that God has established for marriage.

Often though relationships that can only be defined as unhealthy, women are searching for any support and protection that men can offer, and men are in need of the nurturing environment women are capable of providing.  All of this toxic activity is being carried on in the name of dating.  And as a result, many people find themselves emotionally connected during the dating process, and subsequently they become quite devastated when the relationship ends.  Thsi is a dangerous situation in which to be in volved, because an emotional connectivity of this nature was designed for marriage only and not for a dating relationship.

See relationships and marriage the way God designed them:

1.  Men are to be the initiators and women are to be the responders when it comes to establishing personal contact with each other.

2.  Focus intentionally on developing healthy male friendships.

3.  Go through the process of self-examination and remember the principle of selflessness.

4.  Live by faith.

5.  A real friend will tell you what you need to hear - not just what you want to hear.

6.  Contentment should be reemphasized as another foundational element of having a balanced relationship that pleases God.

7.  Your love for God must be preeminent over all else.

Excerpt from "When Love's in View" by Dr. Conway and Jada Edwards