1 True Talks
1 True Talks
Godly Green Flags: What to Look For, Not Just What to Avoid
You’ve prayed. You’ve waited. And now someone shows up, but how do you really know if it’s an answered prayer or just another distraction?
In this perspective-shifting episode, we’re flipping the script, from fear-based dating to faithful discernment. For too long, we've approached relationships with a defensive mindset: scanning for red flags, bracing for the worst, and often missing the blessing God may be placing right in front of us.
Today, we're exploring five essential green flags that signal a Christ-centered connection, the kind of partnership built on purpose, peace, and spiritual maturity. From genuine spiritual intimacy to emotional safety, accountability, and alignment with your calling, these green flags help you recognize when someone is actually equally yoked with you, not just checking your boxes.
Whether you're dating, discerning, or simply preparing your heart for what’s ahead, this conversation will equip you with practical wisdom to recognize Godly love when it shows up. Because God isn’t just protecting your heart, He’s preparing it to receive the real thing.
Let’s stop dating in fear and start recognizing the fruit of faithful, healthy, God-honoring love.
Hi, I'm Renee Richel, the founder and president of 1 True Match. I'm here to help you find and cultivate the love of your life. For over a decade, I've dedicated my life to the importance, purpose and dynamic of human relationships. My team and I are disciplined by faith, love and integrity to help our clients find the quality relationship they've always dreamt of. Each week, I will be sharing the tools and tips I've learned that have rooted my success as a matchmaker with other leaders around the world. Hello, loves, welcome back. I hope you have had an incredible week and I am so excited to dive into this next topic, talking about green flags, not red flags. I'm even wearing green today. It's so appropriate. What to actually look for in a godly partnership. Today we're talking about something that doesn't get nearly enough attention Not the red flags, but the green flags. We're so used to watching for what to avoid that sometimes we forget about what to pursue. So today's episode is all about flipping that script. Episode is all about flipping that script.
Renee Richel:If you've been praying for clarity on what a godly relationship actually looks like, what to look for, not just run from this one is for you, so let's dive in. Most of us can name a list of red flags off the top of our heads, a list of red flags off the top of our heads. Controlling red flag, rude red flag talks over you, red flag. However, when it comes to green flags, we kind of freeze because we've been taught to protect our hearts but not necessarily how to open them in a godly way. Here's the truth. Focusing only on red flags can lead you into a fearful mindset. You become overly cautious, overly critical and you might miss the blessing God is placing in front of you. Green flags, on the other hand, help you recognize someone's potential, the fruit of the Spirit in their life. They help you partner with discernment, not just defense. So let's talk about what green flags you should actually be looking for in a godly partner.
Renee Richel:Green flags Number one a deep relationship with the Lord is huge. The first green flag they walk with God when no one is watching. It's not just about them throwing around Christian phrases or quoting verses to impress you. It's about seeing the fruit of intimacy with Jesus in their daily life. Do they pray first? Do they serve others humbly? Do they stay rooted when life gets hard? A godly partner doesn't just bring you to church, they bring God into the relationship. You'll notice it in how they speak, how they treat people, how they handle disappointment and how they pursue peace. And let me say this you can't fake peace. You just can't. Someone who walks with God will bring a sense of peace, not chaos, into your life, and that is a green flag. Next green flag they take ownership of their growth. We all have issues we do, but the green flag is someone who's aware of theirs and actually works through them with the Lord, someone who says this is an area I struggle in. However, here's what I'm doing to grow.
Renee Richel:They're not perfect Nobody is but they are not passive either. They don't blame their ex for everything. They don't shift responsibility. They apologize when needed. They are teachable, which is one of the most unrated green flags of all times. In Proverbs 12: 1, it says whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid, believe it or not. It says that A godly partner isn't defensive. They're refining Green flag number three purpose aligned.
Renee Richel:Green flag number three is they are aligned with your purpose, not just your preferences. You might vibe with someone who's fun, attractive and easy to talk to, but the green flag is when their life is moving in the same kingdom direction as yours. Do they support your calling? Are they driven by kingdom impact? Are they interested in building something that glorifies God, not just pleases themselves? Amoes 3:3 says can two walk together unless they are agreed? That verse is often used for friendship, but it absolutely applies to dating and marriage. If you're called to missions and they hate travel, if you're building a ministry and they're allergic to leadership, it's not wrong. However, your purpose path in life are not aligned. Look for someone whose life path and heart posture point in the same direction as yours. Remember you want to be equally yoked with the person you are going to eventually build a life with.
Renee Richel:Green flag number four healthy conflict Another major green flag. They handle conflict with grace and truth. Flag. They handle conflict with grace and truth. We don't talk about this enough. People think a godly relationship means no conflict, but real love is proven through how you handle hard times. Here's what to look for. They don't shut down or explode. They speak truth in love, not sarcasm or shame. They ask questions to understand, not just respond. They're willing to revisit conversations prayerfully, not just sweep it under the rug. James 1.19 reminds us to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry If you see someone living that out in real time.
Renee Richel:Green flag that's spiritual maturity in action. Green flag number five they inspire you to be your best self. Let me ask you something Does being around this person make you love Jesus more? Does being around this person bring out the best version of you? That's one of the purest green flags there is. If someone makes you want to spend more time in the word, step up in obedience, serve more, love more, pray more, be your best self Now, that is a huge green flag. Now, this doesn't mean you lose your identity or you ride the coattails spiritually. It means you both push each other towards Christ, not just towards each other. And honestly, attraction fades life changes. A relationship rooted in fate will always draw you back to the source. So in conclusion, let's recap today's green flags to look for in a godly partner. One they walk with God in private and in public. Two they take responsibility for their emotional and spiritual growth. Three they are aligned with your purpose, not just your preferences. Four they navigate conflict with maturity, grace and truth. Five they draw you closer to Christ and cause you to become the best version of yourself.
Renee Richel:If you're dating someone and you see these green flags. Don't overlook them. Don't let past pain or fear of too good to be true keep you from receiving what God is trying to do in your life. And if you're single and waiting, pray for eyes to recognize these green flags when they show up. Sometimes God sends us exactly what we've asked for, but we're so focused on what we're afraid of we miss it. God is not just trying to protect your heart. He's trying to prepare it, not just for what to avoid, but what to receive. Don't just pray for a good person. Pray to become the kind of person who recognizes, honors and nurtures what's good when it comes.
Renee Richel:I'd like to close us out today with prayer. Lord, thank you for being the ultimate example of love. Thank you for teaching us what good, pure and true love is. I pray for every listener today, that they would walk in clarity and discernment, that you would show them what green flags to look for and that you would prepare their hearts for a relationship that honors you. May we all keep our eyes fixed on you, the author and perfecter of our faith and the one who writes the best love stories. In Jesus' name, amen.
Renee Richel:Thank you for tuning in today. If this episode encourages you, share it with your friends, your family, your loved ones. Leave a review and tag us at 1 True Match. I love seeing how these conversations are blessing your journey. Until next time, keep walking in love and truth. God bless, god's got you. It's been another great talk on this episode of 1 True Talks by Renee Richel. I look forward to our next chat. Please write in your questions and comments so I can be sure to talk about whatever it is you want to discuss in our next upcoming episode. Lots of Love, God Bless. XOXO.