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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Single, Dating, Engaged, Married summary
Ben Stuart
Navigating Life and Love in the Modern Age
21 mins
Brief summary
Single, Dating, Engaged, Married by Ben Stuart guides us through the different stages of romantic relationships, offering biblical wisdom and practical advice to navigate each phase purposefully for long-term success and fulfillment.
Table of Contents
Single, Dating, Engaged, Married
Summary of 5 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 5
When you’re looking for love and acceptance, look first to God
If you’re at all familiar with scuba diving, you’ll know that sometimes things can go wrong underwater. That’s why divers have a buddy system. In the event that your, or your buddy’s, oxygen tank malfunctions, the following is what you’re supposed to do: take turns breathing from the mouthpiece of the functioning oxygen tank while slowly making your way to the water’s surface. Here’s what often actually happens: fear sets in, the divers begin fighting over oxygen, and finally resurface in a panic.
When we feel resources, like oxygen in our example, are plentiful, we can act generously and compassionately toward one another. But when we feel these resources are in short supply, we adopt a scarcity mindset. In this mindset, it’s difficult to be a good partner.
The same principle applies to romantic relationships. When we feel resources like love and connection are plentiful, it’s easy to be a generous, empathic, responsive partner. When we feel they are scarce, it’s a different story.
Finding lasting love starts with understanding that we’re all beloved children of God. When we open our hearts to receive God's unconditional love and acceptance, we’re filled in a way that no human relationship can replicate. From this place of spiritual fullness, we’re able to approach romantic connections from a perspective of abundance rather than lack.
The search for a life partner is often framed as trying to find "the missing piece" – someone who will finally make us feel whole. But true wholeness comes from knowing we’re fully known and loved by our Creator. This spiritual foundation sets the stage for healthy dating and partnerships.
Consider the story from the gospel of John about Jesus meeting a Samaritan woman at a well. She had pursued love through multiple relationships, all of which had left her empty and wanting more. Jesus offered her living water – a metaphor for the only love that can fully satisfy the longings of the human heart.
All human love is meant to be a reflection of divine love. When we receive and understand God's affection for us, we gain the capacity to properly love others. Love's fire burns brightest when fueled by spiritual truth.
So how can we feel and receive God's love? First by accepting the reality that God cherishes us beyond measure, without qualification. There is nothing we can do to make God adore us more or less.
Then we recognize that God's affection, while invisible, is not imperceptible. God's love shows up in our lives constantly if we have eyes to see it. Love sends the very best of itself – so God sent Jesus out of profound love for humanity. Love sacrifices without limit – so Jesus gave his life to redeem all people. And love persists through all storms – so God faithfully abides with us in every season of life.
When we know in our bones that we are beloved children of God, it transforms how we approach romantic connections. Instead of desperation, we relate to others out of overflowing abundance. Instead of seeking love, we give love freely. Anchored in divine acceptance, we extend grace and compassion to every flawed and beautiful human we encounter.
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What is Single, Dating, Engaged, Married about?
Single, Dating, Engaged, Married (2017) is filled with practical guidance for today’s Christian on four seasons of romantic relationship. This thoughtful collection of stories and scriptural wisdom offers ways to transform relationships, from navigating modern dating to honoring divine design within marriage.
Single, Dating, Engaged, Married Review
Single, Dating, Engaged, Married by Ben Stuart (2017) is a comprehensive guide that explores the different stages of relationships and offers valuable insights for navigating each one. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It provides practical advice for singles, daters, engaged couples, and married individuals, making it a valuable resource for anyone in any stage of a relationship.
- The book combines Biblical wisdom, personal stories, and real-life examples to provide a well-rounded perspective on love, dating, and marriage.
- With its engaging tone and relatable anecdotes, the book manages to address serious topics in a conversational manner, making it an enjoyable and insightful read.
Who should read Single, Dating, Engaged, Married?
- Single Christians wondering if being alone is really part of God’s plan
- Dating Christians who want to know if their current partner is “the one”
- Engaged Christians about to embark on the adventure of marriage
Categories with Single, Dating, Engaged, Married
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Single, Dating, Engaged, Married FAQs
What is the main message of Single, Dating, Engaged, Married?
The main message of Single, Dating, Engaged, Married is to embrace each season of a relationship and learn to thrive in it.
How long does it take to read Single, Dating, Engaged, Married?
Reading Single, Dating, Engaged, Married takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Single, Dating, Engaged, Married a good book? Is it worth reading?
Single, Dating, Engaged, Married is a valuable read for anyone seeking a better understanding of relationships. It offers insights, advice, and practical steps for each stage of a relationship.
Who is the author of Single, Dating, Engaged, Married?
The author of Single, Dating, Engaged, Married is Ben Stuart.
How many chapters are in Single, Dating, Engaged, Married?
Single, Dating, Engaged, Married has 12 chapters:
- Single
- Looking
- Dating
- Engaged
- Married
- Singleness
- Dating: the early days
- Purity
- Breakups and Makeups
- Love in Every Season
- Singleness and Loneliness
- Wise Decisions
How many pages are in Single, Dating, Engaged, Married?
Single, Dating, Engaged, Married contains 212 pages.
When was Single, Dating, Engaged, Married published?
Single, Dating, Engaged, Married was published in 2017.
What to read after Single, Dating, Engaged, Married?
If you're wondering what to read next after Single, Dating, Engaged, Married, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Start Now. Get Perfect Later. by Rob Moore
- The Unspoken Truths for Career Success by Tessa White
- The Resilient Culture by Liane Stephan
- Fear Dynamics by Stephen J Dietrich
- Cobalt Red by Siddharth Kara
- Build Like A Woman by Kathleen Griffith
- The Curious Advantage by Paul Ashcroft
- The Idea Is the Easy Part by Brian Dovey
- Either/Or by Soren Kierkegaard
- On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin