"A Time To Embrace And A Time To Keep Away From Embracing"

Christians are selective about whom they embrace in friendship. They keep in mind Paul's warning: "Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits." (1 Corinthians 15:33) And wise King Solomon noted: "He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly." -Proverbs 13:20.

Servants of Jehovah choose as friends individuals who have the same love for Jehovah and his righteousness that they do. While they appreciate and enjoy the companionship of their friends, they wisely avoid the permissive, overly liberal view of dating that is prevalent in some countries today. Rather than indulging in it as harmless fun, they view dating as a serious step toward marriage that should be taken only when one is physically, mentally and spiritually ready-as well as Scripturally free-to enter into a permanent partnership. - 1 Corinthians 7:36.

Some may feel that it is old-fashioned to take such a view of dating and marriage. But Jehovah's Witnesses do not allow peer pressure to influence their choice of friends or their decisions as regards dating and marriage. They know that "wisdom is proved righteous by its works." (Matthew 11:19) Jehovah always knows best, so they take seriously his counsel to marry "only in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 7:39; 2 Corinthians 6:14) They avoid rushing into marriage with the mistaken thought that divorce or separation are acceptable options should the relationship falter. They take their time to seek out a suitable partner, realizing that once marriage vows are taken, Jehovah's Law applies: "So that they are no longer two, but one fleshy. Therefore, what God has yoked together let no man put apart." -Matthew 19:6; Mark 10:9.

Marriage is a lifelong commitment that deserves careful planning. A man will logically ask himself, 'Is she really the right person for me?' But equally important, he should ask, 'Am I really the right person for her? Am I a mature Christian who can care for her spiritual needs?' Both perspective partners have and obligation before Jehovah to be spiritually strong, capable of forming a solid marriage union that merits divine approval. Thousands of Christian couples can testify that because of its emphasis on giving rather than on receiving, the fulltime ministry is an excellent starting point for a happy marriage.

Next time: Conclusion of the above subject

Watchtower, 1999