1 John 3:16-17 The Message (MSG)
“This is how we have come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it, but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.”

In today’s world, the concept of love is often watered down or misunderstood. We see love portrayed in movies, on social media, and in snap-shot moments, but true, Christ-like love goes far deeper. In 1 John 3:16-17 (MSG), we are reminded that “Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves.” This is the kind of love that we, as women, should prepare for in marriage, because it is both selfless and intentional. It is a love that sacrifices, gives, and seeks the good of others, just as Christ did for us.

A woman shared something with me this week that really stuck with me. She said, “I’m getting more and more nervous about dating because I just don’t know what I’m going to end up with. I want my man to be crazy about me, but I want to make sure he’s not crazy!” At first, I had to laugh—it’s comical, but also completely understandable. Dating can feel like a minefield, and it’s easy to get anxious about what kind of person you might end up with.

I looked at her and said, “Girl, I get it.” But I also reminded her that there aremen out there who understand love in the deepest, most genuine way—the kind of love that Ephesians 5:25 (NLT) talks about: “For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her.” This kind of love isn’t about playing games or being emotionally unavailable. It’s the kind of love that’s selfless, sacrificial, and built on respect. It’s the love Jesus showed us. He didn’t just say he loved us; he gave his life for us. And that’s the kind of love we’re meant to receive—and give—when we enter a relationship.

As women that are praying to partner with the man God has ordained to walk with us through life, we can be confident that there are men out there who know what it means to love like Christ. It’s not just about finding someone who’s ‘crazy about you’—it’s about finding someone who’s ready to lay down their own desires, just like Christ did, to love you in the best and most authentic way possible.

Dating can definitely feel uncertain sometimes, but it’s also an opportunity to trust that God’s got a plan. When we seek His Will and stay rooted in His love, He’ll guide us to the kind of man who knows how to love us with a pure, unconditional heart.

During those times when we’re wrestling with our doubts and feeling lonely, Psalm 27:1-14 (NLT) reminds us the unwavering presence and faithfulness of our God: “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me.Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I’ve never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence.Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”

In our moments of uncertainty, God is right there, holding us steady. While we’re waiting for answers, guidance, or a change in our situation, it’s comforting to know that God’s timing is always perfect. We can trust that He is leading us along the right path, teaching us, and protecting us from harm. In verse 13, we are encouraged to remain confident in God’s goodness, even when it’s hard to see. We may not always understand what’s happening, but we can trust that God is working everything for our good. Waiting requires bravery and courage, but in this waiting, we are reminded to trust that God’s plan will unfold at the right time.

In marriage, there will be times when your spouse needs you—whether emotionally, physically, or spiritually. The real question is: will you be the kind of woman who’s willing to sacrifice your time, energy, and comfort to meet those needs? Or will you turn away, expecting your spouse to do all the giving? Philippians 2:4 (NLT)encourages us, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” True love is about giving of yourself, looking out for the needs of your partner just as much as your own.

As single women, we should prepare ourselves by learning to love with open eyes. Look around and see the needs of others. The more we practice this sacrificial love in our relationships with family, friends, and community, the more naturally it will flow in our marriage. By focusing on the needs of those around us now, we’re already building the heart of a loving partner who’s ready to serve.

God is counting on the love we have inside of us to make a real difference. And we certainly have our work cut out for us because the state of the world is in pretty bad shape right now, but nothing is impossible with God. So, we can’t give up hope. We must trust that there are believers, including men, that are doing their part so that God’s love doesn’t disappear, but is vibrant and beautiful in the earth.

In preparing spiritually for marriage, we’re all learning to love with the same heart and sacrifice that Christ showed us. This kind of love isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly beautiful and rewarding. It requires effort, selflessness, and a deep reliance on God. Be confidence in the love of Christ that is in your heart. Live it out every day and have faith that in God’s perfect timing, it will come back to you—not crazy, but grounded in Christ. ■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright ©1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

“That Kind of Love”, written by Kim Times, edited by Reverend Fran Mack and KLizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2025.  All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.