Marriage is a lifelong commitment. 19:6 (Matthew) We take dating seriously because Jehovah’s Witnesses consider it a step toward marriage.
Dating is only for people who are old enough to marry. They’ve “passed the peak surge of sexual desire,” or are “beyond the bloom of youth.” —1 Corinthians 7:36 (NIV).
Those who date should have the option of marrying. God does not consider certain persons who are legally divorced to be free to remarry, because his criteria is that the only lawful reason for divorce is sexual immorality. —Matthew 19:9, NIV.
Christians who desire to marry are only allowed to marry other Christians. (Colossians 7: 39) This requirement, according to Jehovah’s Witnesses, refers not just to someone who respects our principles, but also to someone who shares and practices those convictions as a baptized Witness. (See 2 Corinthians 6:14.) God has always told his followers to marry only those who share their religion. (Malachi 2: 11; Genesis 24:3) As current researchers have discovered, this command is equally useful.
Parents should expect their children to obey them. This rule includes obeying their parents’ dating decisions for children living at home (Proverbs 1:8; Colossians 3:20). These could include the age at which a son or daughter can start dating and the types of activities that are permitted.
Witnesses select whether or not to date and with whom they date according on Scriptural criteria. This is consistent with the idea that “each one will bear his own load of responsibility.” (Galatians 6:5, footnote) However, when it comes to dating, many carefully seek the counsel of mature Witnesses who have their best interests at heart.
Many of the dating habits that are frequently associated with it are actually major sins. The Bible, for example, warns us against sexual immorality. This involves not only intercourse but also other filthy activities such as fondling another person’s genitals or indulging in oral or anal sex between unmarried people. (9–11) (1 Corinthians 6:9–11) Even premarital passion-arousing activity that does not lead to sexual immorality is considered “unclean” by God. (Galatians 5:19–21). The Bible also forbids immoral conversations that include “obscene discourse.” —3:8 in Colossians.
The heart, or inner self, is a dangerous place. Jeremiah 17:9 is a prophecy from the prophet Jeremiah. It has the potential to lead a person to do acts he knows are wrong. Couples who are dating can avoid being alone in tempting settings to keep their hearts from deceiving them. They may choose to take appropriate safeguards such as remaining in the company of a wholesome group or having a qualified chaperone accompany them. 28:26 (Proverbs) Single Christians looking for a marriage partner are aware of the dangers of online dating sites, particularly the possibility of starting a relationship with someone they don’t know much about. Psalm 26:4 is a verse from the book of Psalms.