Dating and Mating
Ronald A. Hammer
Liberty University

Dating and Mating In today’s society we are faced with a secular view of dating and mating. These views can be seen by turning on the television, or opening your email. Television shows like Jersey Shore, promote random sex, and multi partner relationships, while the internet is inundated with dating sites and pornography. The dating practices today focus on more of an intimate relationship than an emotional or spiritual bond between both parties. Sex today is more of a game, than a special moment between a man and his wife. The line is very blurred between biblical and secular dating and mating views, although it should be clear and distinct. The Lord guides us to keep the dating process pure by not mating till marriage. In the Hebrews 13:4 we are told that pre-marital sex is wrong, “Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery” (New Living Translation). As a born again believer I feel the only way God will bless the marriage is to avoid sex until marriage. As Christians we should put our love and obedience to Jesus ahead of their own desires. These common beliefs should be the foundation for love respect and self-sacrifice that a great relationship is based upon. Finding a partner in Christ is one of the hardest steps to overcome when starting the dating process. Juliet Klee states, “You need to be dating only someone who shares your level of commitment to your faith in Christ. Someone who has similar goals and ideals when it comes to family, worship, and commitment to Christ is going to be a better match for you and will be more understanding of your desire to live and act according to your beliefs” (Klee).
References
Keel, Juliet, (2009) Christian Dating in a Secular World; EzineArticles.com
Tyndale House Foundation, (2007) The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Carol Stream, IL.