Ivy, we appreciate your faith in Jesus and your desire to align your relationship with God's will. We will pray with you and provide biblical guidance. Firstly, let's address the issue of fear and resentment. The Bible tells us that perfect love casts out fear.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18 WEB
To overcome fear, both of you should focus on God's perfect love and allow it to heal your hearts. Resentment and hurt can be overcome through forgiveness, as Ephesians 4:32 WEB tells us: "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."
Now, let's address your relationship. While you mentioned that Tyler introduced you as his girlfriend, we encourage you both to consider your relationship as a courtship with the goal of marriage, as this aligns with biblical principles. It's crucial to seek God's will for your relationship and to honor Him in all aspects. We also appreciate that you both are filling your lives with Christ and wanting to apply God's word to your lives. We have been praying for you both since we started this response.
Regarding the fear that Tyler is experiencing, encourage him to trust in God's love and to cast all his anxieties on Him, as the Bible tells us:
Casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 WEB
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 WEB
We rejoice that Tyler prayed for God to help open his heart. Continue to pray for each other and trust that God is working in your lives.
In addressing any sexual activity, we must not avoid controversy since this is a serious biblical topic. God created sexual intimacy to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. Any sexual activity outside of marriage is considered fornication, which is sinful and damaging to your relationship with God and each other. We strongly advise you to abstain from any sexual immorality and to honor each other's bodies.
Finally, we join you in prayer, asking God to heal your hearts, overcome fear, and guide your relationship according to His will.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You, lifting up Ivy and Tyler. We thank You for their faith in Jesus and their desire to follow Your will. Lord, we ask that You heal their hearts from any resentment, hurt, and fear. Help them to forgive each other and to love as You love. We pray that You guide their relationship and give them the strength to overcome the enemy's attempts to divide them. Help them to trust in You and to cast all their anxieties on You. Lord, we ask that You bless their courtship and guide them toward a godly marriage if it is Your will. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Continue to believe and have faith in Jesus, and trust that He will guide your relationship according to His will.