Before starting any dating relationship, we must be prepared. Knowledge is the key to whether our relationships succeed or fail. Today we will explore several principles we should consider before starting a serious dating relationship.
- **Benefit:** Dating gives us the chance to meet new people and build friendships with those of the opposite sex. This experience can boost our self-confidence and enhance our social skills.
- **Risk:** There is a danger in becoming too emotionally and physically involved before discovering shared interests, dreams, and goals. It's crucial to establish these commonalities before deepening the relationship.
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NLT)
Healthy relationships should begin at the spiritual and intellectual levels, focusing on purpose, motivation, interests, dreams, and personality. While physical attraction often takes precedence, it should be of the least importance.
Before going on our first date, it’s important to establish clear principles of behavior. This requires a certain level of spiritual maturity. Waiting until you find yourself in a compromising situation can lead to mistakes. By making a thoughtful and premeditated decision beforehand, you will be better prepared to resist temptation. You essentially have two paths: following God's principles or adhering to the world's principles.
22 So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. 23 Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, 24 and you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.
Ephesians 4:22-24 (GNT)
Many people are willing to break their commitments to God in order to maintain a relationship; this is an immature decision. Standing firm in what you believe is a sign of spiritual and emotional maturity.
37 Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and the most important commandment. 39 The second most important commandment is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ 40 The whole Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets depend on these two commandments.
Matthew 22:37-40 (GNT)
If you believe that you need a boyfriend or girlfriend to feel complete, happy, or fulfilled, then you may not be ready for a healthy relationship. Feeling a need suggests that there is a void in your life. In contrast, the opposite of need is choice. When you feel the need for a partner, it limits your ability to choose the best person for you. For instance, when I'm really hungry, I don't take much time to decide what to eat. However, when I'm not extremely hungry, I take the time to carefully choose what I want. Once you understand that dating should be based on choice rather than need, you'll be better prepared for a healthy relationship.
A good wife is her husband's pride and joy; but a wife who brings shame on her husband is like a cancer in his bones.
Proverbs 12:4 (GNT)
And in Him [Jesus] you have been made complete [achieving spiritual stature through Christ], and He is the head over all rule and authority [of every angelic and earthly power].
Colossians 2:10 (AMP)
Having a healthy self-concept means being at peace with ourselves and recognizing our inherent value. It involves understanding that God accepts and loves us as we are. Additionally, a person with a healthy self-concept possesses strong faith and is committed to loving and obeying God at all times. Such individuals also know how to manage their emotions, actions, and motivations effectively.
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
John 14:6 (NLT)
It's important to cultivate a personal relationship with God, so that you can rely on your own faith rather than depending on others. Focus on developing your abilities, talents, character, and financial independence before entering a relationship. Many people start relationships for financial reasons, out of immaturity, or due to codependency.
But if any do not take care of their relatives, especially the members of their own family, they have denied the faith and are worse than an unbeliever.
1 Timothy 5:8 (GNT)
Finding a boyfriend or girlfriend who will be our partner is often challenging, so we must trust and seek God diligently.
Find a wife and you find a good thing; it shows that the Lord is good to you.
Proverbs 18:22 (GNT)
A man can inherit a house and money from his parents, but only the Lord can give him a sensible wife.
Proverbs 19:14 (GNT)
Many people don’t realize that the success or failure of a marriage begins during the courtship phase. The habits and attitudes present during courtship are often reflected in the marriage itself. True intimacy develops over a long period, and while some individuals may attempt to cultivate intimacy through physical contact, this approach often leads to disappointment. It’s also important to understand that living together does not guarantee intimacy. Instead, use the time in the relationship to foster intimacy and friendship
How hard it is to find a capable wife! She is worth far more than jewels!
Proverbs 31:10 (GNT)
Better to live on the roof than share the house with a nagging wife.
Proverbs 25:24 (GNT)