CHRISTIAN DATING ARTICLES BY DR. JIM RIVES

When it comes to Christian dating, there are some Christian leaders that counsel Christian singles to wait on God to bring their mate to them. Their counsel is to not to be dating and just wait on God. As a general principal, I do not agree with this approach to Christian dating.

Christian dating or waiting? God puts us in the "garden" of life. In the garden, are we to sit back and let Him take care of us? Or has He given us the charge to care for the garden and the weeding is ours? Yep, God clearly says that we are to work.

I think that the same can be applied to dating and finding a mate. While we are to TOTALLY depend upon God for His guidance in Christian dating, it does not mean that we are to sit down and wait. It is easier for Him to guide a "moving" car than one parked. I do not mean that we should be racing ahead of him either. Too often we like to take over the "work" aspect of dating and finding a mate, rushing into relationships where He is not leading us, often dating relationships not good for us.

God guides us to a balanced life. Christian singles need to be about building up all areas of their lives - our walk with Him, our physical/mental side, and building great friendships. He will guide us as we walk with Him to make good decisions about dating, mates and otherwise.

Too often Christian singles take over the controls from God and do not let Him guide them. Christian singles, if you are not filling yourself with His presence, then you are taking a huge gamble and the odds for finding the best mate for you are next to nil.

Finally, do not be dating just to be dating or filling lonely hours. I continue to encourage you to make and build friendships that are endearing and mutually rewarding. These are some of the greatest jewels in life. If you are seeking His voice, being involved with things that benefit your life, and serving others – God will use these to bless you in many ways. Will this guarantee you will find a mate? No. This is not a black and white formula for Christian singles; it is a way of life that reaps its rewards. God does know what is best for you and when. You CAN count on Him to provide Christian dating wisdom. A promise from God to you in James 1:5

Related Christian articles for singles: Christian Dating: Results of a survey on Christian Dating vs. Christian “Courting” And: Christian Singles: Hurting people hurt others! And: Christian Dating Advice: how to start Dating again? And: Advice for Christian Singles: Should a single Christian woman let a single Christian man know she is interested? And: Christian Singles: "Is it love?" And: Dear Pastor Jim: "Do you expect all Christian singles who want to be married to be happy being single?" And: Christian Dating: "Dear Christian Singles, what Criteria Do You Use for Dating other Christians?" And: Christian Dating: VCR- style Dating is hurtful And: Christian Dating: I'm recently divorced, is it too early for Christian singles to start dating again, and can divorced Christian singles ever marry again or is that against God’s will? And: Christian singles, when it comes to Christian Dating, start with a course called "Breaking Up 101" And: Is Christianity An Excuse for Christian Singles to Be Passive? And: Finding the Will of God and Making godly Decisions

In His love,
Pastor Jim

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Note: The answers provided in this site are intended to be as one provided by a minister. It is NOT intended to take the place of a licensed counselor. Dr. Rives encourages all who are seeking to resolve deeply rooted psychological, emotional or behavioral needs to seek the services of a trained and licensed counselor. The answers provided in this web site are intended to be words of encouragement and spiritual guidance as one would obtain from a licensed minister as well as the sharing of Dr Rives personal experience. Articles by Dr. Jim Rives used with permission, copyright © 2001-2006 JacobsMinistry.org Inc. (Arizona Non-Profit Corporation) All rights reserved.

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