PREPARING TO DATE (1)
Dear Reader,
Happy New Year! Welcome to your Turnaround Era. My prayer for you is that everything will turn around in your favour this year and beyond, in Jesus name! God has indeed been faithful! It is a privilege this new year to bring you instructions from God’s Word concerning your relationship. It is important to know that every instruction of God from His Word is for your benefit. The Bible says, Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14)? So, who you date or marry has a lot to do with your life’s journey. Choosing the right person help you blossom in every area of your life. Therefore, I will be teaching on ‘Preparing to Date’.Stay connected and understand what God has for you in this teaching series.
What is Dating?
The word ‘dating’ comes from the idea of ‘setting a date’, where two people (or more, if on a group date) agree to get together at a certain time and place for recreation and fellowship. Dating is an important vehicle in our culture for giving young men and women the opportunity to get to know one another in a socially acceptable manner.
Understand that dating is essential; it is not just for teenagers and their parents, but also for older newly single people who, because of divorce or widowhood, are re-entering the dating scene. Habits and attitudes established during the dating years generally carry over into marriage. Youths all over the world, regardless of culture, share at least one thing in common; the challenge of growing into a successful adult. Although, dating as we know it today is not a scriptural concept; nevertheless, it has become thoroughly embedded as a social norm. The scripture says, Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14)?
Then, how do you Prepare to Date?
- Seek First God’s Kingdom: Are you concerned about finding the ‘right’ person? The best place to find a godly person is on the road to God’s Kingdom. If you are interested in a spiritual person, look for him or her wherever the Spirit of God is (Matthew 6:33). When your eyes are steadfastly fixed on God, He brings everything else into your sphere (Psalm 37:4).
- Pray About Your Future: It is very important to seek the Lord concerning a potential spouse. So, one should ask for much grace, wisdom and patience to meet a single and godly person (Philippians 4:6). No matter how young, you can start praying about your future now; it is never too early. Praying about your future will help you make wise decisions. Also, pray for wisdom, guidance, clarity and direction. Prayer is such a vital key to preparing for a great future and a godly relationship.
- Be Righteous: This means, right standing with God, He wants to know where you stand with Him (Proverbs 21:21). God wants you to be so consumed by His Kingdom and righteousness. Remember, God gives good things to His children.
- Learn How to Communicate Well: Communication is key in life and in relationships (Ephesians 4:29). Learning how to communicate well is not as complicated as you might think. The Bible has a lot to say about communication; read the book of Proverbs and you will find some helpful communication tips that will guide you.
- Understand the Concept of Love and Respect: God created both male and female, and He gave them each unique desire (Ephesians 5:33). God placed in men a very strong desire for respect and admiration. As a result, men thrive when they receive lots of admiration and adoration (perhaps this is why many men have such a strong ego). On the other hand, God created women with a very strong desire for love. Women thrive when they are treated with tender loving care, and even lots of affection.
Therefore, understanding this concept and actually putting it into practice will help you prepare for a great relationship. So, you must understand that the seeds you sow during the dating period can either make your marriage a success or failure. When choosing a spouse, earnest Christians should consider this scripture, Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14)? The Bible instructs believers to behave decently, to avoid sexual immorality, to be clothed with the Lord Jesus Christ and not to make any provision for the flesh to fulfil its lusts (Romans 13:14).
However, to choose the right person, you need God’s direction, and He gives direction to only His children. Therefore, you must be born again to be God’s child. If you want to accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour, you can do that by saying this prayer of faith with me: Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I believe You died and rose again for my sake. Forgive me my sins, take over my life, make me Your child and let Your peace reign over my life. Thank You for saving me. Now I know I am born again!
Congratulations, you are now born again! I believe that you will begin to experience the reality of the price that Jesus paid for your sins at Calvary. All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus name! Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through oyedepofaitha@gmail.com OR call 07026385437 and 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian Bookstores: Dating: A Biblical Guide and Single with a Difference.
Fasae- Oluwafemi Olayemi
May 15, 2023 @ 10:51 am
Thank you ma.I rededicate my life and marriage for Christ today.
Faith Oyedepo
May 17, 2023 @ 9:01 am
Congratulations on this great decision you made today. It is my prayer that the grace that has saved you will keep you till the end.
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