Bible Reading: Genesis 24:67
In Genesis 24, we read about Isaac’s first meeting with his new wife, Rebekah. Isaac and Rebekah never dated. Their marriage was arranged by Abraham, Isaac’s father. Abraham
had sent his servant to his homeland to find a wife for Isaac. Verse 67 says, “Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.” Isaac and Rebekah met for the first time on their wedding day.
Isaac and Rebekah’s marriage is very different from what we are accustomed to now. Most American’s date for a while before they marry.
There is yet another way to get to know a potential marriage partner: Courtship. Courtship is the biblical view of dating.
In dating, people usually try to hide their faults and make themselves more appealing. Dating is trying to find another person who will meet your needs. Dating is based on ever-changing emotions that get involved before a serious commitment is made. Therefore, when a dating relationship ends, people end up hurt.
Courtship is different. In courtship, two people take time to get to know each other in a safe environment. That means that the couple is never alone. Other people are always nearby so emotions and temptations aren’t likely to take over. Courtship is based on two people who have serious intentions of getting married. Commitment is made before the emotions get involved. Courtship happens only once in a lifetime, is guided by advice from the parents of the couple, and ends in a life-long marriage relationship.
Whether you choose to date or to court, stick to God’s principles for purity, integrity, respect, and love and spend lots of time in prayer asking God to send the right person into your life at the right time.
“‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” Matthew 19:5 & 6
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for caring who I spend my life with. In Jesus’ name. Amen.