Hi. I’m 19 years old and I’ve been a member of the church since I was eight. I went inactive when I was 12 years old because of family problems. Recently I came back to the church when the missionaries invited me. I met a lovely girl, sweet, loving, never drinks alcohol or uses tobacco, etc. We’ve been going out for five months. I haven’t been going to church every week for the last four Sundays because I’ve been dedicating more time to my studies, except for general conference last week. I went to the stake center to watch. Recently in church, however, my girlfriend presented me to her brother in law as her “friend.” I’m very sad. I don’t know if you can help me. I left the stake center just now and am now I’m writing this.
One Response to “Hi. I’m 19 years old and I’ve been a member of the church si…”
Mario Rubio
2010-04-24 20:39:11
Hi friend. I think it's excellent that you have come back to the church! Every young person should have the spiritual support that Jesus Christ can provide through His church. I'm very happy to learn that you're beginning to benefit from the blessings of full church participation once again.
Who knows why your girlfriend referred to you as her friend? Perhaps she just wants to get to know you better before presenting you as her boyfriend. Perhaps she's concerned about your relationship because you haven't been going to church every week. The only way you can find out is if you ask her.
My one piece of advise is that you separate your dedication to God from your dedication to any human being. If things work out with your girlfriend, that will be wonderful. If they don't work out, I'm sure you'll be disappointed. Regardless of the outcome with her, your love of God and your dedication to His gospel should remain unchanged. If you put God at the center of your life, things will work out for the best in the end, even if they don't work out as you expected. Best of luck.
Who knows why your girlfriend referred to you as her friend? Perhaps she just wants to get to know you better before presenting you as her boyfriend. Perhaps she's concerned about your relationship because you haven't been going to church every week. The only way you can find out is if you ask her.
My one piece of advise is that you separate your dedication to God from your dedication to any human being. If things work out with your girlfriend, that will be wonderful. If they don't work out, I'm sure you'll be disappointed. Regardless of the outcome with her, your love of God and your dedication to His gospel should remain unchanged. If you put God at the center of your life, things will work out for the best in the end, even if they don't work out as you expected. Best of luck.