Dating: What Is It?

It is important to examine the kind of opposite-sex friendships you have. You might be dating and not realize it.

Gary Richmond says, "We are by nature two things: romantic and sexual creatures. If we find ourselves being validated, softly spoken to and shown kindness to, we have very little control over drifting into romantic and loving feelings. The best way to avoid that is to avoid being in a situation that calls for romance and wait until it's the appropriate time. In God's time, He makes all things beautiful. In our time, we can really foul it up and make it more difficult to untangle."

Dr. Jim A. Talley defines dating as two people who spend time alone together exchanging emotional energy. Does this definition apply to any of your relationships?

Keep your opposite-sex friendships in the right setting. If you find that in your mind you continually drift down the path of attraction and romance with a certain person, you may need to remove yourself from that friendship. If you are not free to date right now because you are still married or because you are not fully healed, keep yourself away from situations that might tempt you.

Make an effort to build up same-sex friendships instead, or renew relationships with family members. Not only is it important to remove yourself from tempting situations, it is also important to replace those situations with God-pleasing activities or behavior.

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak" (Matthew 26:41).