15 January | Youth
«So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for her.» Genesis 29:20
What does the Word of God say about dating? Nothing. At the time the Bible was written, there was no such relationship. Marriages were arranged. The biblical story that comes closest to a modern courtship is Jacob's passion for Rachel. Their meeting seems to have resulted in love at first sight. In love, Jacob worked seven years for Rachel, almost four times the price of a bride's dowry at the time. Love is beautiful!
Although the Bible does not talk about dating, we need to examine it to know God's opinion on the subject. “If ever the Bible is needed as a counselor, it is before taking a step that binds persons together for life” (Ellen G. White, Messages to Young People, p. 447). The values, goals and behavior of two Christian people dating need to be based on divine concepts and purposes.
The biblical view of dating is different from the media. The Bible is not a manual on dating, but it presents some principles. And one of the first ones is that “romance” does not equal love. Romance is when a person tells you that they cannot live without you, that without you they are nothing, and that their life seems empty and colorless when you are not around. This is exciting at the moment, but it does not make a relationship last over the years.
Dating should be based on commitment. Young Christians do not enter into a relationship just to receive. Every day Jacob got up and went to work thinking about Rachel's inestimable value. Seven years passed. Due to his immense love for her, Jacob did not even notice time passing. I hope you find love like this! Whoever loves is willing to do anything to see the happiness of the other. Love is sacrificial.
If you want to be happy in this area of life, you must be willing to give up many things for someone. Above all, you need to have your thoughts aligned with God’s. He is the source of love. Ask Him to help you find that someone special.