YOUTHS-TRAIN YOUR PERCEPTIVE POWERS!

Keeping Courtship Honorable

Another area in which your perceptive powers are needed is that of courtship.  It is only natural to want to show affection to someone you care about.  The chaste couple in the Song of Solomon evidently exchanged some displays of affection before they married.  (Song of Solomon 1:2; 2:6; 8:5) Today, some courting couples may likewise feel  that holding hands,kissing and embracing are appropriate, especially when marriage seems imminent.  But remember: "He that is trusting in his own heart is stupid." (Proverbs 28:26)  Tragically, a number of couples have shown bad judgment,by putting themselves into compromising circumstances.  Displays  of affection have become intense and uncontrolled; unclean acts have resulted and have even escalated to sexual  immorality.

If  you are dating, you are wise to avoid being alone with your prospective mate under inappropriate circumstances.  So it may be best to enjoy each other's association in a group setting or in public places.  Some couples arrange to have a chaperon.  Also, consider the words of Hosea 4:11:  "Wine and sweet wine are what take away good motive."  Alcohol can impair good judgment and lead a couple to act in a way that  they will later regret.

Proverbs 13:10 says:  "By presumptuousness one only causes  a struggle, but with those consulting together there is wisdom."  Yes, 'consult  together' and discuss how you will conduct yourselves.  Place limits on displays of affection, each respecting the other's feelings and conscience.  (1 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; 1 Peter 3:16)  Talking about this sensitive subject may be difficult at first, but it can prevent serious problems from developing later on.

Next time: Being Taught 'From Youth On'

Watchtower, 1999