8 signs your relationship is rooted in Christian values

There’s a world of difference between a relationship based on societal norms and one deeply rooted in Christian values.

This difference boils down to the foundation. A foundation built on Christ’s love not only guides but also shapes our relationships.

In a relationship grounded in Christian values, both parties choose to love, respect, and support each other, all while reflecting God’s love for us.

Identifying this kind of relationship isn’t always easy. But don’t worry, certain tell-tale signs can help you discern.

Here are eight signs to help you understand if your relationship is deeply rooted in Christian values.

1) Love is a commitment

In a Christian relationship, love isn’t merely an emotion. It’s an intentional decision to put your partner first, reflecting Christ’s love for humanity.

Think about it. The Bible itself declares in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, “Love is patient, love is kind… it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

In a Christian-centered relationship, this kind of love isn’t just a lofty ideal, but a daily practice. It’s the glue that binds everything together.

So if you find that selfless love is the defining feature of your relationship, it’s a strong sign you’re on the right track.

2) Forgiveness is a cornerstone

I’ll share a personal example to illustrate this point. In my own relationship, we’ve had our fair share of disagreements.

There was this one time when I made a mistake that had upset my partner a lot.

I remember feeling guilty and anxious, worried that this could be something that might create a lasting dent in our relationship.

But then, something beautiful happened. My partner chose to forgive me, reminding me of Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

This act of forgiveness wasn’t just about letting go of the past, but also about choosing to believe in our future.

It brought us closer and deepened our understanding of each other.

So if you see the principle of forgiveness being applied in your relationship frequently, it’s a sure sign that your bond is rooted in Christian values.

3) Prayer is integral

In a relationship based on Christian values, prayer isn’t just a ritual, it’s a lifeline. It’s the way we communicate with God and invite Him into our relationship.

The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:6 to “not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

So if you find that both of you are not just praying individually, but also as a couple, it’s a clear sign of a relationship rooted in Christian values.

Not only does it deepen your bond with each other, but it also strengthens your collective connection with God.

4) Respect is mutual

Respect is a fundamental building block in any relationship, especially in one rooted in Christian values.

In such a relationship, both parties understand and honor the intrinsic value of the other, as everyone is made in the image of God.

It’s about valuing the other person’s opinions, feelings, and individuality, even when they differ from one’s own.

Ephesians 5:33 instructs, “…each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”

Respect is key in any relationship that reflects Christian values.

So if you notice a mutual sense of respect in your relationship, it’s a strong indication that your bond is grounded in Christian values.

5) Serving each other selflessly

In a relationship rooted in Christian values, there’s a beautiful sense of selflessness that’s more about ‘we’ than ‘me.’

This takes inspiration from Jesus Christ who selflessly served humanity and even laid down his life for us. John 15:13 tells us, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

In the context of a relationship, this doesn’t necessarily mean making grand sacrifices.

It’s about being there for each other, putting your partner’s needs before your own, and showing up every day ready to support, encourage, and uplift them.

So if you find yourself consistently putting your partner’s needs before your own, it’s not just a sign of deep love, but also a reflection of a relationship rooted in Christian values.

Such selfless service is indeed a heartwarming testament to the presence of God’s love in your bond.

6) Honesty is non-negotiable

There was a point in my relationship where I had the choice to hide something from my partner. It wasn’t something major but was significant enough to potentially cause some distress.

The easy way out would have been to keep it to myself, but Proverbs 12:22 kept coming to mind, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”

I decided to come clean, and it wasn’t easy. There were tears and a difficult conversation ensued.

But ultimately, it strengthened our bond. We were able to go through the situation with understanding and grace because honesty had paved the way.

7) Encouragement is consistent

A relationship grounded in Christian values is also one that is full of encouragement.

Hebrews 3:13 says, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

In such a relationship, both partners consistently uplift each other. They inspire each other to grow and become the best versions of themselves.

They motivate each other to pursue their passions and dreams.

If you find that your partner is your biggest cheerleader, always encouraging you to be you and to do your best, it’s a clear sign that your relationship is rooted in Christian values.

It’s a testament to the positive and supportive environment that love in Christ encourages.

8) Christ is the center

Above all, the most distinctive sign of a relationship rooted in Christian values is that Christ is at the very center of it.

Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

In such a relationship, both partners strive to live a life that honors God. They seek His guidance in their decisions and actions.

They draw strength from their faith in Him during tough times and they give thanks in moments of joy.

If you see that Christ isn’t just a part of your relationship but the very heart of it, then you can be assured that your relationship is deeply rooted in Christian values.