From Jim’s heart for teens… Making Tough Dating Choices as a Young Man

The choices you make with regard to dating will be among the most important ones you make in your life. In no way should you approach dating in a casual way. The whole dating experience should be reserved until it’s time to begin looking for a life partner.

In the meantime, do your homework. Make a list of the ideal female qualities as stated in the Bible. God’s Word has a lot to say about the character of a godly woman (see Proverbs 31). Just be sure you don’t confuse cute with character. Take your time. Study the biblical standard. Ask for God’s help as you look for these qualities in the lives of the girls in your church or youth group. And don’t forget to ask the advice of your parents! Then, with lots of input, make your list.

Now that you have your “A List,” read it over and make it your own. When you see a cute girl and wonder about her, pullout the list. When it’s time to think about starting the dating process, pull out the list. When you think you’re in love, pull out the list. You’ll be glad you have a list of God’s standards to use as a guide for choosing the right girl to date.

Meanwhile, while you are waiting and looking, be faithful to prepare yourself so that you too are ready for God’s best. Let God work on your character qualities. Be patient, for these qualities take years to develop. As 1 Timothy 6:11 says, “But you, man of God… pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” Ask God to help you control your personal purity. Do what is necessary to keep yourself pure in body, soul, mind, and spirit. Then patiently wait for God’s best to arrive.

Question: Guys, what’s on your “A List” of dating qualities in a young woman? Parents, in today’s society, what qualities do you desire the most in your son’s future wife? Have you shared these qualities with him?

If you wish to encourage your son or young man in your life about additional teen-life issues you will find a great resource in my book, A Young Man’s Guide to Making Right Choices.

Read From Jim’s heart for teens… Making Tough Dating Choices as a Young Man on Elizabeth & Jim George.


Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.

Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.


Also in From Our Hearts

Choosing the One Thing Needed
Choosing the One Thing Needed

by Elizabeth George September 19, 2023

Today, let’s take a closer look at someone who sat at Jesus’ feet and received His praise. Can you imagine that—receiving God’s praise! The attitude of Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, demonstrated for us the meaning of a heart devoted to God. What did Mary do that moved our Savior to praise her?
Read More
Getting Through Difficult Days
Getting Through Difficult Days

by Elizabeth George September 12, 2023

One of my favorite words in the English language is “bittersweet.” It’s sort of like the well-known announcement, “I’ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?” This picturesque term always reminds me that many occurrences in life fall simultaneously into the glad/sad category, bringing forth both emotions at once.

Read More
Times of Suffering
Times of Suffering

by Elizabeth George September 05, 2023

“I’m done. This is just too much. I can’t believe this is really God’s plan for my life!” This is not an uncommon confession among Christian women. But it is true: suffering is part of this life. Every one of us will face times of trial and loss. Job’s lament is a testimony to the physical, moral, and spiritual suffering he experienced.
Read More