I wish when I was “dating” someone had explained and cautioned me of the toll that “dating” takes upon a soul; and the danger that is created by relationships outside marriage.

It wasn’t until much later in life – and after a divorce, I might add – that I began to understand the damage I had suffered by having “girlfriends” before I married…. The saddest part about all those relationships – some of which were racked with sin and inappropriateness – is the irreparable harm that might have come to the Kingdom (and others’ spiritual growth or decline) as a result!

There is nothing so sacred on this earth among Christians as our bond with one another.
When we enter into “dating” with each other or “hooking up” – a relationship geared more to satisfying our needs to be “partnered, desired and pleased” — we risk damaging the most valuable earthly bond we have: Agape Love in Christ Jesus with one another.

Courtship and then Engagement is (to me) not unlike a “betrothal period” in the ancient Jewish model… it is a coupling with permanent intent that considers the familial bond in the Heavenly Kingdom more important than personal feelings, setting the priority upon making sure the Sanctity of our Union with God is preserved so that on the day He unites us in marriage – our intention to glorify Him is achieved!

The Lovely Heather had a horrible time just trying to get me to kiss her when I courted her – And YES I courted her and made it known I was doing so. The reason I felt so apprehensive about just kissing her was that I never wanted for us to “do” something that would break our Brother/Sister bond in Christ and make us unable to worship side-by-side if we were not to marry.

Not enough attention is made to the Sanctity of our Fellowship I think… But that’s just me. Thanks for the thoughts. I love your blog.
p.s. – I just read that part about The Lovely Heather again… I hope it didn’t make her sound like a hussy.