In an era where swiping right is the new courtship, and 'Netflix and chill' is considered a date, what does biblical dating look like? It's a bit like trying to follow a recipe from the Old Testament in a modern kitchen - challenging, yet profoundly rewarding.
The Foundation of Faith
Biblical dating starts with a foundation stronger than the most potent coffee blend - faith. It's about sharing a belief system that's rooted in something deeper than the latest social media trends. Imagine two souls, joining hands not just for a romantic stroll in the park, but for a spiritual journey towards growth and fulfilment. It's like building a relationship with Lego bricks - each brick representing shared values and faith, creating a sturdy, vibrant structure.
The Courtship Dance
In biblical dating, courtship is not just a fancy word for dating. It's a process, kind of like slow cooking a stew - it takes time, patience, and a lot of stirring. This dance involves families, much like a group project where everyone has an opinion, but the focus remains on building a meaningful connection that goes beyond superficial likes and dislikes. It's about discovering the heart and soul of the person, not just their Instagram profile.
The Emotional Connection
The emotional aspect of biblical dating is like a Nicholas Sparks novel set in the real world. There's passion, there's drama, and yes, there's the sappy, heart-melting moments. But, it's rooted in a commitment to honor each other's feelings and boundaries. It's the kind of love that makes you want to write love letters, not just texts filled with emojis.
Respecting Boundaries
In biblical dating, boundaries are not just lines in the sand; they're walls of a fortress, protecting the sanctity of the relationship. It's about respecting physical and emotional boundaries, much like how you wouldn't eat the last cookie without asking. It's a dance of mutual respect and understanding, acknowledging that true love waits and cherishes.
The Roles in Biblical Dating
In Biblical dating, each person has a role, much like actors in a play written by the greatest playwright of all - God Himself. The man, often seen as the initiator, is called to lead the relationship with honour and respect, reflecting the love Christ has for the church. He is to guard his heart and that of his partner, acting not just as a romantic interest, but as a protector and guide.
The woman, on the other hand, is encouraged to embrace a role of support and partnership, respecting the man's leadership while offering insight and wisdom. She is not a passive participant but an active co-navigator in the relationship journey, reflecting the grace and nurturing nature of Christ.
Emulating Jesus' Love
The cornerstone of Biblical dating is loving each other as Jesus loves us. This divine love is selfless, patient, kind, and forgiving – qualities often in short supply in today's dating scene. In a relationship that seeks to mirror this love, partners are called to put each other's needs above their own, to be quick to forgive, and to show grace in abundance. It’s about seeing the other person as Jesus sees them, priceless and worthy of love.
The Journey Towards Marriage
Biblical dating is not just a journey of two hearts; it's a prelude to marriage, like the opening act to the main concert. It's a period of learning, understanding, and preparing for a lifetime commitment. Imagine preparing for a marathon - there's training, there's preparation, and yes, there's the nervous excitement. That's biblical dating, a preparation for the marathon of marriage.
Biblical dating in today's world is an adventure filled with faith, laughter, respect, and a good dose of sappiness. It's an acknowledgment that the best relationships are not just about finding the right person, but being the right person. It's a journey of growth, love, and laughter, where two people come together not just to share a Netflix account, but to share a life grounded in faith and mutual respect. In a world of fleeting connections, biblical dating stands as a testament to the enduring power of love, faith, and a lots of laughs.
Article by: Micayla Niemack
