Many things contribute to connecting us romantically to our mate. Emotional intimacy which is falling in love in a Disney-like way. Princess in waiting, knight on a white horse, and after defeating some evil plot, marry and live happily ever after. Physical intimacy connects us by touch, and let’s just say may be in a non-Disney way. There are lots of books and movies made about those two kinds of intimacy, but there is a 3^rd powerful intimacy that needs more press: Spiritual intimacy. For those who have faith, there is nothing more powerful than worshipping sitting beside the one you love. When faith is part of who you are at the core, going to church together connects you at a soul level. It is more than just you and them. It is you and them and God. Think about that.

Statistics show that 25% of married woman have to worship without their husbands. I am strong in my faith, and I can tell you that when I was married, I went to church alone. In your heart, you wonder if they truly know how important your faith is to you, and how badly you want to be able to share it with them. Little do they know they are missing out on an entire deeper connection they could have with you. If you are married, you should not leave them because of a lack of their faith. Pray about it and it still could happen. Nothing is beyond the power of God.

So if you are unmarried, what if the one you are with does not share worship with you? You may have already developed an emotional bond to them. So here is one of those places I am going to talk the truth in love. Do you really want to spend the rest of your life going to church alone? Even worse is if they end up discouraging you from going over time. Faith is not one of those areas you should compromise in. It is pretty harsh to hear that I know, but you should make this choice before you get married. If it is a core part of who you are, it probably should have been part of your filtering criteria, but we are imperfect humans and date, and sometimes fall in love before we think. Yes there may be some pain short term, but finding the one who is truly right for you is an opportunity you do not want to miss. They are out there.

So now I am talking to the men out there specifically who are with a partner that has faith. Whether you are married or in a relationship, it is time to step up. If you are married, you married their spiritual being too and need to support that as part of showing how much you love them. You love your kids and probably take them to their sporting events out of love, so why not take your family to church and show love and support. If you are single, here is a little secret: The woman you want to have your back, raise your children, and be proud to introduce to your parents is likely in church. But your goal should not to go to church to meet her, but to know Him. Draw closer to God first. You will find connecting with other singles through church, whether just fellowship or eventually dating is a better experience. I can personally tell you I have been in love with someone before, including sharing worship with them, and there is nothing like it. You too can know what this true spiritual intimacy is like.