Biblical CourtshipSýnishorn

What Is Courtship?

Today in the Evangelical Church, young people have copied the world’s mold in looking for a partner. Hollywood has sold them the idea of ​​courtship. Courtship includes a couple’s relationship for an indeterminate time. Although that relationship should be heading for marriage, it doesn’t always end that way, which usually leads to disappointments and very deep emotional wounds. In the absence of commitment, the boy, or sometimes the girl, wants to date with multiple partners without commitment. By the time they do get married, they usually already have a long history of ex-partners.

In the Bible, the term “courtship” does not exist. What? Yes, you heard that right! Does not exist! You can search for the best match and you won’t find that term. Why? Because courtship is a modern concept, very far from biblical customs and even farther from God’s original pattern.

But we can define courting as a period during which a mature, godly young man and woman, with the approval of both their parents, seek to confirm God’s direction regarding their possible marriage.

Courtship is a time to confirm God’s will. It is not just about going out and having a good time, or physical attraction. We discover things about each other’s personalities, likes and dislikes, hopes and dreams by spending time together. A good marriage partner will exhibit godly character traits such as generosity, forgiveness, grace, mercy, love, selflessness, patience, and justice. They will also help us exhibit these traits.

Many Christians see courtship as little more than friendship. Courting allows Christians to determine if their potential marriage candidate is a believer in Christ (Proverbs 16:3). The Bible warns us that believers and unbelievers should not marry (2 Corinthians 6:14) because those who live in the light (of Christ) cannot live in harmony if they do.

However, if you are a Christian out to meet someone with marriage in mind, you should ask yourself several questions: Does this person help or hinder you from walking with Christ? Are you making sure you don’t idolize this person, the relationship, or even the goal of marriage? Are you able to remain sexually pure with this person? Are you comfortable being genuine with this person? Are you being honest in the relationship? Do you feel challenged to grow in this relationship? All these questions must be embedded in the minds of those courting to make the right selection of a godly partner.

I pray we graciously find the perfect partner made for each one of us in Jesus’ name. Amen.