Christian Dating

[Guest Angel_Eyes721]

Hey Everyone! I just read the book "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris. It's a Biblical perspective on this whole "dating game". To sum it up...he has chosen to give up dating and trust God 100% to send him the one girl He created for him, WHEN he's ready for that commitment. Now, before I even read this book, I pretty much had the same idea. I'm not really into dating. Why? Because of the type of person I am: If I'm in a relationship, I give my all. Each of those boysfriends I would have, would have a piece of my heart. And I've decided to save my WHOLE heart for one guy: my future husband. So, not only am I saving myself physically for this one guy, but emotionally and spiritually too! (I'm praying for a mutual exchange!)

Now before you start judging....read the entire book. So you know where we're coming from. Joshua Harris is not saying that dating is evil and that everyone should give it up. It's just a reasonable alternative! And a very interesting read nonetheless.

So.......what is your opinion on this subject? Is anyone out there like me, waiting patiently? I know some people even wait until they get married to have their first kiss? What do you think about that? Too extreme? Well worth it? Or just simply depends?

Let me know!!

Much love,

Krystal

[hippo's hope is HIM]

I whole heartidly agree with you.

And might I add ROCK ON!!!!!!

It totally urks me that my friends, think they HAVE to have a guy or girl.....to live. I am like NOOOO put your eyes on the Lord!!!! AGHH

**Runs off screaming in annoyance******

[Guest Angel_Eyes721]

Haha...thanks for your comment "hippo". I understand it can be frustrating trying to get others to see your point of view. I'm with ya on that one!!

Much love,

Krystal

[Guest parousia]

Yes, I would agree. I have been single all of my life, and I believe God, in His sovereignty, will provide me with a mate.

I tried Christian dating, but it only revealed my own impatience and lack of trust in God. Let's face it, where in scripture did any of those God-fearing people "date?"

I like to refer to Jacob in this situation. Here was a man of God who had to endure 14 yrs. of hardship under Laban just so he could marry the woman he loved. Now, this shows how God's will is carried out, even after 14 yrs. of waiting. And on top of that, Laban changed Jacob's wages and refused to let him go.

Now, in my case, there was a woman with whom I developed feelings for in 1996. She resisted and could not reciprocate. We had been serving together in the worship ministry at that time.

Eventually I left the church for a period of two years to pursue an airline career. God quickly showed me how wrong that decision was, and I repentantly returned to the church but was not "in love" with this woman.

In January of 2001, I had returned to serving in the worship ministry alongside this woman, but I had become involved (unexpectedly) with a mutual friend. This would turn out to be a five-month mistake, as we both were so caught up with each other that reason escaped us. I ended up leaving my church again, this time for a period of one year.

It was at this other church that I pursued God with all of my heart, and he then gave me direction. I knew I was being called to pursue worship leading. Upon returning to my church, I enrolled in seminary classes to obtain my BA degree, and I also realized that I was truly in love with the aforementioned woman.

Interestingly, in April of 2002, at an evening service, she approached me and confessed that she had had a vision of my face, and that God had wanted her to tell me. She resisted and felt as though God had allowed this heavy oppression to be upon her. She still had no change in her feelings toward me, but she needed to work on her relationship with God.

She was bound by this fear of marriage and was afraid God had wanted her to marry me. Being too much to bear, she left the church and has not yet returned. So should I give up? Move on and "date?" Most probably would. I mean after all we're only human, and I must confess I have been tempted to do just that, but I can't.

If I am truly in love with this woman, then I must be tested. How long? That's the common question because of our "fast-food" mentality. It doesn't seem anyone could wait 10, 20, or 30 years. Yet Abraham and Sarah had to wait, and even they became impatient with God. What happened? Well, the 12 tribes sure didn't emerge from their little mistake, now did they?

My hope is in my Lord, and my God. I/we who are in Christ are experiencing the ultimate test of patience - the return of our King and Lord! I like to look at it this way: if we keep looking up, then when we ultimately have to look back down, what will we see?

Ah, Lord God, give us patience and faith to persevere in such a fast-paced world. Slow us down! Make us people of true faith and reliance upon you. Confound the world by your grace and wisdom which no man can fathom. Bring your children even closer, and may we always put you first. For it was by you that woman came out of man so that he would not be alone.

I love you Lord, and I pray for these precious saints who are struggling to wait.

Grant us your peace which passes all understanding because when the two become one, it shows the world of the relationship you have with your people - the Bride of Christ! WE ARE ONE WITH YOU! AMEN!

Because of Him,

Parousia

[Guest Angel_Eyes721]

Wow! Thanks Parousia for sharing your story! It was very encouraging and re-assuring!

Much Love,

Krystal

[Guest hippo 2 puter froze again]

*******Hangs head*********

hmmmm. Can you still feel one way about dating and yet still do it??????

:laugh: :il: Yeah, umm. The Beth who doesn't date. Who needs no guy. Who totally is waiting for the Lord to send her her man. Has a guy. I know, it shocked me too.

Pray for us! He could be the one!!!!

[other one]

This thread sounds like my daughter. She is nearly 30 and brought her first boyfriend by this month to meet her family. She seems to have done very well too I might add. We'll have to wait and see.

Sam

[chancer]

(Just my opinion,does not mean it is right)

Hey,

Well the way I feel about dating changes upon situation differences.One good way to date to me is group dating because it can take away any temptations that could occur if alone with someone.Also in this group you can get to know everyone and it takes the pressure off being with more than just one person.About not kissing until marriage...well to me that would be pretty awesome only kissing the man\woman that God wants you to be with forever.I also do not think it is wrong though to kiss before marriage i just think it is the individuals choice.Just because i think kissing is ok before marriage does not mean I do not set boundaries about how much is too far.I never want to put myself in a tempting situation where i could do something that i regret for my entire life.My opinion on dating one on one....well I do not think it is wrong if you have this date going in it with Godly standards and a knowing of how far is to far.If i ever date one on one with a person it will be when I am quite a bit older and maybe feel like this person could be the one.At this point in my life bieng only 14 I am not allowed to date and really have no desire too.Hey I know my feelings towards dating will mot likely change.So for this post all i could do is give my opinion and what I feel is right for me,it may not be right for you.God Bless and I hope my post was helpful!

ur sis in Christ

Chancer

[Guest Angel_Eyes721]

Thanks Chancer. Your opinion is definitely valued! And you're right...your opinions may change as you get older but right now you seem to be on the right track and know what you want and that's a good thing. (I wish I did when I was 14!) Better late than never, right? lol

Much love,

Krystal

[Jesus Loves U]

Yes, I would agree with you. And I know that God has right person for evryone, but it's our problem to wait and see who we are goign to be with for the rest of our lives. God is waiting for us to put everything in His Hands and He Will handle in the right time.

May God grant us with faith and love and that we would follow his footsteps and would not regret.

with love your sister in Christ Nina