KEEP YOUR COURTSHIP HONORABLE

How can you keep your courtship honorable?  First, make sure that your moral conduct is above reproach.  Where you live, is holding hands, kissing, or embracing considered appropriate behavior for unmarried couples?  Even if such expression of affection are not frowned upon, they should be allowed only when the relationship has reached a point where marriage is definitely planned.  Be careful that displays of affection do not escalate into unclean conduct or even fornication.  (Ephesians 4:18, 19; compare Song of Solomon 1:2; 2:6; 8:5, 9, 10) Because the heart is treacherous, both of you would be wise to avoid being isolated in a house, an apartment, and automobile, or anywhere else  that would give opportunity  for wrong conduct. (Jeremiah 17:9)  Keeping your courtship morally clean gives clear evidence that you have self-control and that you put unselfish concerns for the other person's welfare ahead of your own desires.  Most important a clean courtship will please Jehovah  God, who commands his servants to abstain from uncleanness and fornication. -Galatians 5:18-21.

Second, an honorable courtship  also includes honest communication.  As your courtship progresses  toward marriage, certain matters will need to be discussed openly.  Where will you live?  Will both of you work secularly?  Do you want to have children? Also, it is only fair to reveal things perhaps in one's past, that could affect the marriage.  These may include major debts or obligations or health matters, such as any serious disease or condition you may have.   Since many persons who are infected with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) show no immediate symptoms, it would not be wrong for an individual or for caring parents to request and AIDS blood test of one who has in the past engaged  in sexual promiscuity or was an intravenous drug user.  If the test proves  positive, the  infected person should not pressure the intended mate to continue the relationship if that one now wishes to terminate it.  Really, anyone who has engaged in a high risk life-style would do wall to submit voluntarily to an AIDS blood test before beginning a courtship. 

Next time: LOOKING BEYOND THE WEDDING

From the book: THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS, 1996