When Courtship Goes Wrong

Courtship, a relationship between a man and a woman in which they seek to determine if it is God's will for them to marry each other, under the protection, guidance, and blessing of parents or mentors. The couple concentrates on developing a deep friendship that could lead to marriage. However, if one is unfamiliar with the protocol for courting in ministry, it can cause that individual to go astray, as they discern their readiness for marriage and God's timing for their marriage. Courtship is a choice to avoid temptation and experience the blessings of purity. It is a choice to not emotionally give away your heart to others through casual dating relationships focusing instead on giving your whole heart to your life partner.It is a choice to wait for God's best, for His glory. It is a decision to walk by faith, to trust in God, to honor others above yourself, and to believe that God will deal bountifully with you because He is love. If during the courtship, one or both parties realize that marriage is not God's will and they end the relationship, the courtship has not failed. Be sure that you are hearing from God. Do not make a decision based on what you hear from the pulpit. Do not make a decision based on fear of being alone. Do not make a decision based on an emotional due to external influences seeing you and your prospective mate as a 'power couple'. Follow the peace of your heart.