How can people know if they are inl ove

Our human nature indicates to us that love is nothing more than an emotion. We make decisions based on our emotions, and even get married because we feel "in love." This is the reason that about half of all first marriages end in divorce. The Bible teaches us that true love is not an emotion that can come or go, but a decision. We are not just to love those who love us, but we should even love those who hate us, the same way that Christ loves the unlovable (Luke 6:35). "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance" (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

It can be very easy to fall in love with someone, but there are some questions to ask yourself before deciding if your "love radar" is leading you in the right direction. First, is this person a Christian, meaning have they given their life to Christ and trust in Him alone for salvation? Also, if one is considering giving their heart and emotions to one person, they should ask themselves if they are willing to put that person above all other people, and put the relationship, once married, second only to God? The Bible tells us that when two people get married, they become one flesh (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5).

Another thing one should consider is if they are a good candidate for being a potential mate. Have they already put God first and foremost in their life? Are they able to give their time and energy into helping the relationship and perhaps marriage last a lifetime? Are they someone whom they would want to marry? There is no measuring stick to determine when we are in love with someone, but it is important to discern whether we are following our raw emotions, or following God's will for our lives.