YOUNG PEOPLE ASK . . .

Dating-The Dangers

Consider a youth named Nina. She relates:  "I met a boy on-line. We talked in a chat room for hours every day. I became emotionally attached to him, and my life revolved around him. The relationship didn't last for long. When it ended I became very depressed.  Then he called me and told me that he was going to kill himself because of the break-up.  That made me even more depressed."  Looking back, Nina concludes:  "It was not worth it!  The relationship ended two years ago, and I'm still suffering from depression.  "Nina was simply to young to become emotionally involved with someone. 

Interestingly, when the Bible speaks of "the way of an able-bodied man with a maiden," it may refer to sexual relations. In today's world, dating is often a prelude to sexual relations. It may begin innocently, just by holding hands. A quick hug and a kiss on the cheek may be next. It is one thing for two young adults who have made a serious commitment to each other  to make such expressions of affection. But when two people are too young to get married, such behavior does little more than needlessly inflame sexual desire. Acts of "affection" can become increasingly inappropriate or unclean.  They can even lead to some form of fornication."

The fruits of fornication are bitter. Some who engage  in it contract sexually transmitted diseases. Others suffer a loss of self-esteem and damage their conscience.  Some young girls find themselves pregnant. No wonder the Bible gives this command:  "Flee from fornication" (1 Corinthians 6:13, 18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3) Avoiding premature dating will help you to heed this command.

Next time: YOUNG PEOPLE ASK . . .When to Date

From the AWAKE! magazine, 2001