I’ve been watching Chinese dramas recently — one in particular is The First Frost, a sequel to Hidden Love. The drama shares the story of Wen Yifan and Sang Yan’s who had a falling-apart when they were in high school but was eventually reunited and even became housemates. While this drama has a heavier theme than Hidden Love (which has a lighter, feel-good, vibes), The First Frost never failed to captivate its audience with its great story telling, handling of complex issues (on Wen Yifan’s life that is), and the chivalrous love Sang Yan has for Wen Yifan.

The Male Leads We All Wanted to Be Real

Sang Yan is considered a green flag — no, a forest — for how he showed his love for Wen Yifan. It was, as the last words Wen Yifan’s thoughts say, a “love so fierce”.

“I want someone who is fierce and will love me until death. It’s you.”  ~ Wen Yifan, The First Frost

Sang Yan was the best example of when a man wants to he would. I mean, he traveled from Nanwu to Beiyu and Yihe just to see Wen Yifan (even just to catch a glimpse of her).

As the drama ended, I found myself watching Hidden Love again and even other dramas such as When I Fly Towards You (from the same author of First Frost and Hidden Love), The Best Thing (a new drama recently recommended as well), and Amidst the Snowstorm of Love (based from a book by another Chinese author). After watching these I suddenly found myself reflecting on what kind of relationship I want to have and what type of man I would like to be married to. They were all so committed to the women they love and had secured it well (ensuring they won’t end up jealous but rather they’d feel confident about their relationship). This made me realize how I wanted someone who can love me fiercely as well till death, makes me feel safe and secure, and can care for me well. Then, of course, comes the thought — these men are fictional characters.

Someone Real

Yes, they’re fiction. What a pity they’re not real. However, as I write about the characteristics that made them admirable, a sudden thought came. Such a man does exist — Jesus.

Jesus Christ — a man who can love fiercely till death, can make us feel safe and secure, and can comfort and stay committed. That thought just blew me away. Wow! Just thinking about it made me realize how important it is to work on our relationship with Him — study the Word, pray, and surrender everything to Him. How beautiful it is to love oneself as He has loved us unconditionally (in while we were all sinners, He offered His life as penalty for our sins).

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
– Romans 5:8

Regardless of how fictitious Sang Yan, Duan Jiaxu, Rangrang, Dr. He Suye, and Lin Yiyang are (the men from these dramas), Jesus is real and He has been consistently pursuing us. This realization made me feel more loved and even wondering how I have been living my single life.

Authored by God

To be honest I have been recently asking God if I would ever get married. However, these dramas made me also realize something — it’s okay to wait and while I do I need to love myself and appreciate myself. I need to be a good steward of my time, my body, my resources, my all. That is the best way to glorify God in this waiting season — to partner with Him on this.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
– Colossians 3:17

Another realization I had was how men like the male leads in the dramas do exist — if we are to talk about their characteristics. They were, after all written by authors — what more can the author of the universe do! He can do more, right? But then, such a man can only exist if he has submitted himself to God.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
– Proverbs 3:5-6

A man after God’s heart! King David has flaws too yet he repented and committed himself more to God. What more if a man is following Christ — the only begotten son of God who lived His life here on earth without sin. Having a husband that has Christ in his life shows how marriage exemplifies God’s love for His Bride.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
– Ephesians 5:25

Singleness, on the other hand, also exemplifies how we should rely and submit to Christ alone.

“I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided.”
– 1 Corinthians 7:32-34

As We Wait

I never knew watching these dramas would make me reflect. These are not Christian shows so don’t expect it to be Biblical. However, you can see how Christ really intends relationships to happen — committing purely and partnering with each other.

I pray for us singles, as we wait on God’s best…

May we never settle for less
May we be confident on the value we have in Christ
and may we love ourselves that we are ready to be helpmates to someone who will care for us….

Romantic relationships should not be treated lightly but with the intention of caring for the person and growing together — one that intends for marriage. It’s a partnership after all as Christ designed.

“Do you think everything in this house was bought randomly? Every item, each one was chosen for you. You deserve the best of everything.”
– Sang Yan, The First Frost