13 October 2008
1. Date only “when” your parents allow you to and “who” they allow you to. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. Ephesians 6:1-3
2. Date only Christians who are genuinely following Jesus and encouraging you to do the same. Do not be joined to unbelievers. What do right and wrong have in common? Can light and darkness be friends? How can Christ and Satan agree? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 2 Co 6:14-15 (NIRV)
3. Pray together before and after the date, invite Him into the date. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1
4. Set and Communicate boundaries beforehand. Like a city whose walls are broken down is a person who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28
5. If you have made a promise to God not to have sex before marriage, then only date those that have made the same promise. When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
Only God can give you a sense of worth, meaning and unconditional love—not anyone else.