“Judging Courting”

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Does the Bible support courtship?

Sincerely,
Looking For A Verdict

Dear Looking For A Verdict,

The dictionary defines ‘courtship’ as ‘a period during which a couple develop a romantic relationship, especially with a view to marriage’.  Using that definition, the Bible highly supports courtship.  All positive Biblical examples of men and women in romantic relationships include a view towards marriage.  God doesn’t intend for people to be romantically involved without also being maritally minded.  The entire book of Song of Solomon addresses the romantic relationships between men and women… and marriage is the long-term outlook.

There are many different views on what courtship should look like (and that is in the realm of opinion, not Biblical insight), but the general principle of viewing all romantic relationships as an attempt at finding your lifelong mate is definitely appropriate.  Unlike the prevalent worldview that teaches us to focus on the physical side of the opposite gender, the Bible teaches that we should seek to know the inner character of someone we would like to build a life with (1 Pet 3:3-4).  Men are to treat women as they would want their sisters treated, and women are to treat men as they would have their brothers treated (1 Tim 5:2).  Romantic relationships are designed to help us find that one person that we will “leave and cleave” with to start our own family (Eph 5:31).

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