Hello, Sir. …am from Nigeria worshipping in Church of Christ. … How can I fine a right one without dating? Please, Sir help with scriptural portion.
A dictionary definition for “dating” is “to go out socially.” Cultures differ around the world regarding marriage. Some cultures still practice wholly or partially arranged marriages where the couple to wed may not know each other or may have not even met each other prior to the wedding. A modification to arranged marriages is that in some cultures presently either candidate for marriage may decline the particular arrangement. Arranged marriages have for centuries preserved tribal, clan or family cultural norms and values. From observation, arranged marriages appear to be as successful or even more so than marriages that are not arranged by the families of those marrying. Affection and love in many arranged marriages is no less than that in non-arranged marriages. Arranged marriages have a predisposition to permanence by the acknowledgement of the parties being married, and the spouses learn to love each other and work together for the good of the immediate as well as the extended family.
In much of the world, though, marriage partners each choose to marry the other. This occurs after social interaction where the parties come to know and appreciate each other. Love or physical attraction occurs prior to marriage and becomes the basis of entering into marriage. This social interaction is what dictionaries call “dating.” However, dating or social interaction must be morally pure for God to approve of it. Unfortunately, much of what passes for “dating” in contemporary times involves drinking alcohol or taking drugs (Galatians 5:21), dancing (Galatians 5:21), unchaste behavior (2 Timothy 3:6) and fornication (1 Corinthians 6:18), all of which is contrary to God’s Holy Word.
Cultural norms in various parts of the world will affect one’s preparation for and entering into marriage. Aside from what culture may dictate regarding preparation for and entering into marriage, especially Christians need to be aware of their biblical responsibility to remain morally pure. “…keep yourself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22).
