Did you know that the word ‘dating’ is not stated in the Bible and the Good Book does not talk about dating specifically?

I searched my Bible concordance, my online Bible reference library, and the internet to see if I could find anything the Bible specifically said about dating.

Rendezvous, assignation, tryst, engagement…………………………………………………

In Biblical times couples were ‘betrothed’ or marriages were arranged by parents.

Hence, the young couples didn’t need to spend time with several individuals of the opposite sex to determine which one would make a better spouse.

Some of the eastern cultures still participate in arranged marriages.

But most cultures allow the individuals desiring to be married to choose their own mates.

Consequently, the process of dating emerged.

Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary defines a date as “A social engagement between two persons of the opposite sex.”

A male/female notices someone of the opposite sex they are attracted to and desire to know him/her more intimately.

Microsoft’s thesaurus lists words such as rendezvous, assignation, tryst, engagement, as synonyms for the word ‘date’.

Most Christian men and women don’t want to go on a rendezvous or tryst because the words have traditionally been used for secret meetings, as between unlawful lovers.

Most of us would prefer not to ‘go out’ with several people before meeting our soul mate.

We would like God to point to the individual, say, “That’s the man/woman I created for you.”

But it is not that simple, unfortunately.

God always gives us choices.

We have to choose our life’s mate.

Yes, we have to make the choice to marry Harry or Larry; Betty or Lettie.

We decide if the individual meets the qualities we desire in a mate.

We should seek God’s face for confirmation that we have chosen the person destined to be our lifelong partner.

We should also work on ourselves first so we will be prepared and ready when God allows us to meet that ‘special’ someone created just for us.

If we’re only concerned about me, myself, and I (self-centered) – we’re not ready.

If we’re insecure, lonely, and super sensitive – we’re not ready.

If we’re proud, controlling, condescending, and self-aggrandizing – we’re not ready.

We need to ask God to show us what we need to work on to be a godly, loving, compassionate, supportive mate.

“Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?”____________________Amos 3:3 (NIV)

Discuss your thoughts about dating: