Written by: Felice Mathieu, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
What does it mean to be blinded by love? Love, they say, is blind. And indeed, it can be. When we fall head over heels for someone, our judgment often becomes clouded, and we may overlook red flags that should give us pause. Being blinded by love means allowing our emotions to override our common sense and rational thinking. It means turning a blind eye to warning signs and potential pitfalls in a relationship. But is being blind in love necessarily a bad thing? Let's explore this concept further.
Blinded by love: Jesus' perspective
When it comes to matters of the heart, Jesus has a lot to say. He cautions us about the dangers of being swept away by our emotions and failing to see the truth. In Matthew 6:22-23, Jesus says, "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness." In other words, if we allow ourselves to be blinded by love, we are choosing to walk in darkness rather than in the light of truth.
Christian dangers of being blind in love
As Christians, we have an additional responsibility to be discerning in matters of love. Being blind in love can lead us down a dangerous path, straying from the principles and values that guide our faith. It can cause us to compromise our beliefs, overlook red flags that go against God's Word, and ultimately lead us astray from His plan for our lives. It is important, therefore, to recognize the dangers of being blind in love and take steps to avoid them.
Recognizing the sinful red flags in relationships
In any relationship, there are red flags that should not be ignored. These warning signs indicate potential issues or problems that may arise in the future. It is crucial to be able to recognize these red flags and address them before they escalate. Some common red flags include dishonesty, manipulation, disrespect, and a lack of commitment. By being aware of these red flags, we can avoid falling into unhealthy and sinful relationships.
Holy Hack No.1 God's words come before your emotions
Prioritizing God's words over our own feelings is the first holy hack to avoid falling victim to love. Emotions can be deceptive, leading us astray and clouding our judgment. By anchoring ourselves in the truth of God's Word, we can gain clarity and wisdom in our relationships. When faced with a difficult decision or situation, consult the Bible for guidance. Seek out verses that speak to the specific issue at hand, and allow God's truth to guide your actions and decisions.
Holy Hack No.2 Have an ongoing relationship with Jesus
Maintaining a strong and ongoing relationship with Jesus is vital to avoiding being blinded by love. We are less likely to let our emotions control us or fall prey to unhealthy relationships when we have a strong connection to Christ. Take time each day to pray, read the Bible, and seek God's guidance. Cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus, allowing Him to shape your heart and mind. By doing so, you will be better equipped to discern His will in matters of love and relationships.
Holy Hack No.3 Seek wise Christian counsel
In the journey of love, seeking wise Christian counsel is crucial. Surround yourself with mature believers who can offer guidance, support, and accountability. These individuals can help you see beyond your emotions and provide an objective perspective on your relationships. Seek out mentors or trusted friends who have experienced successful and godly relationships. Their wisdom and insights can help you navigate potential red flags and make informed decisions.
Holy Hack No.4 Judge the speck in your eye more than you judge others
As humans, we have a tendency to judge others while turning a blind eye to our own flaws. However, when it comes to matters of love, it is important to focus on self-reflection and personal growth. Instead of being quick to judge and criticize others, examine your own heart and actions. Address any areas of weakness or sin in your own life before seeking to change or judge others. By doing this, you will lay a stronger foundation for love and prevent yourself from becoming oblivious to your own flaws.
Holy Hack No.5 Patience versus impulse
Impulsivity can often lead to poor decision-making in relationships. Practice self-control and patience to avoid falling victim to love. Resist the urge to rush into a relationship or make hasty commitments. Take the time to truly get to know someone before allowing your emotions to take over. Allow the relationship to develop naturally and give yourself space to assess whether it aligns with your values and goals. Patience will help you see past the initial infatuation and determine if the relationship is built on a solid foundation.
Holy Hack No.6 Look for consistency in words and actions
Actions speak louder than words, especially in matters of love. Pay close attention to how someone's words align with their actions. Look for consistency and integrity in their behavior. If someone says one thing but consistently does another, it may be a red flag that they are not being truthful or genuine. Trust is essential in any relationship, and consistency between words and actions is a key indicator of trustworthiness.
Holy Hack No.7 How they treat others determines their worldview
The way someone treats others is a reflection of their character and worldview. Watch how your potential partner treats people around them, especially those who are less fortunate or in positions of service. Do they show kindness, compassion, and respect to everyone, regardless of their status? Or do they exhibit a pattern of mistreatment or disregard for others? How they treat others can reveal a lot about their true nature and values.
Holy Hack No.8 When someone shows you who they are believe them
Maya Angelou once said, "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time." This wisdom applies to matters of love as well. If someone consistently exhibits behaviors or attitudes that go against your values or cause harm, believe them. Don't make excuses or try to change them. Accept their true nature and make a decision based on that. Being blinded by love can cause us to ignore red flags and hope for change, but it is important to listen and believe what someone's actions are telling us.
Holy Hack No.9 Your non-negotiables should be firmly in place before you date
Before entering into a relationship, it is crucial to establish your non-negotiables. These are the values, principles, and boundaries that you are unwilling to compromise on. Take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you and what aligns with your faith. Once you have identified your non-negotiables, stick to them. Don't let the allure of love cause you to compromise on the things that are most important to you. By having your non-negotiables firmly in place, you can avoid being blinded by love and making decisions that go against your beliefs.
Holy Hack No.10 Practice forgiveness
In any relationship, there will inevitably be moments of hurt and disappointment. To avoid being blinded by love, practice forgiveness. Holding onto grudges and resentment only clouds our judgment and hinders the growth of the relationship. Learn to forgive and let go of past hurts, allowing space for healing and growth. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is a crucial aspect of love and can help us avoid being blinded by bitterness or unresolved conflict.
Conclusion: Seek to love as Jesus loved
In conclusion, being blinded by love can lead us down a dangerous path, compromising our faith and values. However, by following these ten holy hacks, we can avoid falling into the traps of unhealthy relationships and sinful red flags. Prioritize God's Word over your emotions, seek wise counsel, practice patience, and forgive. Above all, seek to love as Jesus loved. His love is unfailing and will guide us through the complexities of relationships, helping us avoid being blinded by love. So, let us be discerning, intentional, and faithful in our pursuit of love, always striving to reflect Jesus in our actions and choices.
CTA: If you found this article helpful, share it with your friends and family who may also benefit from these holy hacks. Let's navigate the complexities of love together, with Jesus as our guide.
Felice Mathieu, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Felice Mathieu is a seasoned Christian marriage and family coach with over 25 years of experience of coaching couples. He holds a B.A. in Christian Counseling Psychology and a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, making him an expert in the field. Felice, together with his wife Retta, founded Married As One LLC, a ministry committed to providing biblical coaching services to couples. Through Married As One LLC, Felice and Retta help couples learn critical biblical skills that inspire better communication and foster stronger relationships. Contact Felice today for effective Christian marriage coaching that helps spouses communicate fairly and respectfully.
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