Brothers and Sisters in God’s Family

"Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity." I Timothy 5:2

Develop a new attitude toward dating

Every relationship is an opportunity to model Christ's love.

"May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."---Jesus (John 17:23)

My unmarried years are a gift from God.

"An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs--how he can please the Lord....An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit." I Corinthians 7:32, 34

Intimacy is the reward of commitment---I don't need to pursue a romantic relationship before I'm ready for marriage.

I cannot "own" someone outside of marriage.

I will avoid situations that could compromise the purity of my body or mind.

Purity

Respect the deep significance of physical intimacy.

Set your standard too high.

Make the purity of others a priority.

Guys, like warriors, defend and honor the righteousness and purity of our sisters.

Girls, dress modestly with propriety to honor your brothers.

Start with a Clean Slate

Repent of sinful attitudes and behavior in your present and past dating relationships.

Break any soul ties.

Break off an ungodly relationship and make sure the focus is on Jesus if it is a godly relationship.

Make your parents (or spiritual mentors) your teammates

Establish protective boundaries.

Check who is whispering in your ear.

Guy/Girl Friendships

Understand the difference between friendship and intimacy.

Be inclusive, not exclusive.

Seek opportunities to serve, not to be entertained.

Behave as ladies and gentlemen.

Build one another up in the Lord.

Avoid mentoring the opposite sex, point to older men/women.

Guard your heart.

Honoring Marriage

Marriage is the first institution.

Marriage is the event God has called to consummate all of time.

Marriage is to be held in honor.

Marriage is a refining process.

What Matter at Age Fifty

True godly character.

How a person relates to God.

How a person relates to others.

How a person relates to authority.

Personal discipline: time.

Personal discipline: money.

Personal discipline: care of body.

Attitude of willing obedience to God?

Attitude of humility?

Attitude of industriousness?

Attitude of contentment and hopefulness?

I Think He/She might be THE ONE!

Remember your relational responsibilities.

Seek a deeper friendship first.

Wait, watch, and pray.

Define the relationship's purpose: pursuing marriage.

Honor her parents.

Test and build the relationship in real life settings.

Reserve passion for marriage.

© 2006 Meredith Curtis (taken from Homeschooling High School for the Glory of God!) All rights reserved.

Home > Ministries > Teens > Courtship or Dating