What happens when a couple wants to take their relationship to the next level of commitment but can’t seem to get past their lack of trust with one another? First things first—what does the Word of God say? It’s our guidebook for every circumstance we could ever experience. And in this case, it’s clear: before anything else, God needs to be first. Trust, love, and every healthy relationship flows from making Him the center of everything.
We often hear the phrase “put God first” in Christian circles, but what does that actually look like in real life? For a lot of single women, especially those in relationships, it can be tempting to place your hopes, dreams, and desires on a partner. But when we do that, we’re putting someone or something else in a position only God should hold. When we make anything else more important than God—whether it’s a relationship, a job, or even our own desires—we’re setting ourselves up for disappointment.
Jesus Christ commands us in Matthew 22:37 (NLT), “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” Our Heavenly Father deserves our all, and when we put Him first in everything we do, it’s because the Holy Spirit has filled our hearts with His love. This is the best news we could ever know. It’s out of God’s love that we can love our spouses, and we can do so in a way that deeply ministers to their hearts.
For some of us, this may seem daunting. We may have experienced failed relationships that ended in heartbreak, and the pain was often compounded by the fact that we gave it our all. We did everything we knew to do, and yet, it wasn’t enough. But here’s the truth: God is always and forever enough, and when we keep Him in first place in our lives, we allow His love to be the power that holds everything together. This is not a quick fix that we can control. Our trust to lean completely on the perfection of God’s Will is the key. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” We can be assured that the wisdom and guidance of God’s Word and Will are not going to ever fail us.
God’s Word teaches us how to treat one another in a relationship. Whether you’ve known each other for six months or sixteen years, there are key truths from scripture that will serve as the foundation for any successful relationship. The Bible provides clear guidance on love, respect, communication, and forgiveness, and these are all essential components of a thriving relationship. For example, Ephesians 4:2-3 (NLT) tells us to “always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” Sowing these Godly principles into our relationships by practicing humility, patience, and forgiveness will create an environment where love can grow and flourish.
1 Peter 4:8 (NLT) tells us, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” Love that’s rooted in God will help you build a relationship that’s strong and resilient. When you love someone with God’s love, you’re not just loving based on feelings—you’re loving out of choice, out of obedience to His Word. This love isn’t just about you and your partner; it’s about reflecting God’s heart in your relationship and pleasing Him above all.
For single women, even before we meet the person God has ordained for us, understanding that He is never second place must be so deeply embedded in your heart that it shapes the way you live and breathe every day. Yes, it’s important to desire and seek meaningful relationships, but you can’t make them the center of your world. God needs to remain the center. You can’t build a strong, lasting relationship on shaky ground—especially when it’s missing the most important cornerstone. A healthy, Christ-centered relationship begins with you and God. When that’s right, everything else will fall into place. ■
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.
“God Is Never Second Place”, 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.