Courting, often referred to as courtship, is a period in a couple's relationship which precedes their engagement and marriage. It is a time of getting to know one another with the intention of discerning God's will for marriage. While the Bible does not explicitly mention the modern concept of courting, it provides principles and examples that guide believers in pursuing relationships that honor God.

Biblical Principles of Courting

1. Purposeful Intent: Courting is distinct from casual dating in that it is intentional and marriage-focused. The Bible emphasizes the importance of commitment and purpose in relationships. In Genesis 2:24 , it is written, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This verse underscores the seriousness and intentionality of forming a marital union.

2. Purity and Holiness: The Bible calls believers to maintain purity in their relationships. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 states, "For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor." Courting encourages couples to uphold these standards, fostering a relationship that honors God.

3. Community and Accountability: Courting often involves the guidance and support of family and the faith community. Proverbs 15:22 says, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Involving trusted mentors and family members can provide wisdom and accountability, helping the couple to navigate their relationship in a God-honoring way.

4. Mutual Respect and Love: Ephesians 5:25 instructs, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." While this verse addresses marriage, the principle of sacrificial love and respect is foundational in courtship. Courting provides an opportunity to practice these virtues, laying a strong foundation for marriage.

Biblical Examples of Courting-Like Relationships

1. Isaac and Rebekah: The account of Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24 provides an example of a divinely orchestrated union. Abraham's servant, guided by prayer and God's providence, finds Rebekah as a suitable wife for Isaac. This narrative highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance and blessing in the pursuit of a life partner.

2. Ruth and Boaz: The relationship between Ruth and Boaz, as described in the Book of Ruth, exemplifies a courtship marked by integrity, respect, and divine providence. Boaz's honorable treatment of Ruth and his willingness to fulfill the role of kinsman-redeemer reflect the principles of godly courtship.

3. Jacob and Rachel: In Genesis 29, Jacob's love for Rachel and his willingness to work for seven years to marry her demonstrate commitment and perseverance. Although their account includes challenges, it illustrates the value of dedication and patience in pursuing a marital relationship.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide a detailed blueprint for modern courtship, it offers timeless principles that guide believers in forming relationships that honor God and prepare for a lifelong commitment in marriage. By focusing on intentionality, purity, community, and love, courting can be a meaningful and God-centered journey toward marriage.Hebrews 13:4
Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
Topicalbible.org

Genesis 2:24
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall join to his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Topicalbible.org

1 Corinthians 7:1
Now concerning the things whereof you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
Topicalbible.org

441. anthropareskos -- man-pleasing
... fawning. From anthropos and aresko; man-courting, ie Fawning -- men-pleaser. see
GREEK anthropos. see GREEK aresko. (anthropareskoi) -- 2 Occurrences. 440, 441 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/441.htm - 6k

A Tribute
... perfect gentleman. Was it kindness, he was always preferring another. Was
it humility, he was simple and not courting favor. It could ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/a life for a life/a tribute.htm

The Epistle Written by Malchion,
... Nor shall I say any thing of the quackery which he practises in the ecclesiastical
assemblies, in the way of courting popularity and making a great parade, and ...
/.../malchion/the epistle of malchion/i the epistle written by malchion.htm

The Acquirement of Spiritual Power
... seeking pleasure, excitement, novelty; seeking ever to be moved to laughter or tears;
not seeking strength, stability, and power; but courting weakness, and ...
/.../allen/the way of peace/the acquirement of spiritual power.htm

Elegance and Grace
... grapes? Shall I esteem a barren planetree and shorn myrtles beyond the fruitful
olive and the elm courting the embraces of the vine? ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/elegance and grace.htm

Duty of Imitating Our Master Taught us by Slaves Even by Beasts. ...
... turns not on a fetter or a cap of freedom, but on an eternity either of penalty
or of salvation; for the shunning of which severity or the courting of which ...
/.../tertullian/of patience/chapter iv duty of imitating our.htm

The Explanation of the Passage Offered by the Psychics Considered.
... prompt with the hand to strike, combative, money-loving, not ruling your house,
nor caring for your children's discipline,""no, nor "courting good renown ...
/.../tertullian/on monogamy/chapter xii the explanation of the.htm

Clairvoyance
... This is one of those alluring paradoxes which all great books delight in, which
baffle thought while courting it, but which disclose to whoever picks the lock ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/clairvoyance.htm

Vain Hopes.
... So men sometimes dally with a temptation, and linger beside it, courting its company,
instead of flinging it away from them, as the snare of the devil, because ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/v vain hopes.htm

The Minister's Farewell
... not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." In the apostle this utterance
was no egotism; it was a fact that he had, without courting the smiles ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the ministers farewell.htm

Airly Beacon
... me! Airly Beacon, Airly Beacon; Oh the happy hours we lay Deep in fern
on Airly Beacon, Courting through the summer's day! Airly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/airly beacon.htm

Courtier: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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