Movies portray the single adult as a free spirit and anti-dating all because he or she fears a broken heart. But the realities of a broken heart are nothing new.
In Genesis 29, we learn that Jacob works hard for seven years only to wake up the morning after his wedding married to Leah instead of Rachel, the one he loved. Outraged, Jacob must have been heartbroken since he had worked years for his true love only to have to work an additional seven to marry her.
God hears and heals the brokenhearted.Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
So is the answer staying single to ward off a broken heart?
We have all seen the love story play out in romance movies. The guarded single inevitably overcomes their fears and opens up to “true” love in their life. Being single does not exempt you from having a broken heart. It may, for a season, guard you from a romantic broken heart, but in this life, we will have trials and tribulations. (John 16:33) A broken heart can come in many ways. Loss of friend, loved one, or a promise broken by someone dear to you. Disappointment will happen regardless if you are in a romantic relationship.
Even God’s heart breaks.
The story of Hosea symbolizes a relationship of the the people of Israel with God. Hosea 11 describes God’s heart breaking over the things He has witnessed the people commit. His heart was broken. This and many occasions in Scripture speak to God’s broken heart by the actions of others against Him. But a broken heart is not the end, it is the beginning of what is to come.
God’s Love Wins.
1 Corinthians 13 masterfully spells out love and what true love looks like in a romantic relationship. God poured out His love on the cross while we were still sinners. (John 3:16) And we know love because we have His love in us and share it with others. (1 John 4)
So singles, if you are not dating to avoid a broken heart, you have it wrong. Broken hearts happen, but God’s love is there to mend your heart and show you love in ways you never knew possible, if you allow Him to reign in your life.
