Some specific suggestions for how a Christian man can put these principles into action in a dating relationship: 1. Commit to take the lead in the godliness of your relationship. Read the Bible’s passages about how men and women and all Christians should treat one another. Especially take the lead in establishing boundaries that will keep you from sexual sin. Assume that this woman is going to be your wife or the wife of some other Christian brother (who might be currently dating your future wife). Treat her as the precious sister in Christ that she is. 2. Decide in advance whether or not you are willing to love a woman in the self-sacrificing, nurturing way the Bible describes. Until you are ready to faithfully hold a woman’s heart in your hand, do not enter into a dating relationship. 3. Realizing that God wants you to learn to put her interest ahead of your own, ask her the kinds of things she likes to do and be eager to spend time doing them. 4. Be willing to talk about the relationship. Initiate honest dialogue about how you feel. Do not resent her desire to have the relationship defined, but protect her heart by making your level of commitment clear and thereby making clear the appropriate kind of intimacy to go along with that commitment. 5. Pay attention to her heart. Ask her about her burdens and cares. Seek ways to minister to her and to make her cares your own. Instead of being critical of her, speak words of encouragement and support. 6. Do not be shy in ministering the Word of God to her. Do not preach, but exhort her and call to mind God’s promises and God’s love for her in Jesus Christ. Make it a primary goal that she will be spiritually stronger by having been in a relationship with you. 7. If something about her bothers you, think about how you can encourage her in that area. Realize that none of us is without flaws. Pray for her weakness and try to strengthen her in that area. If your concerns are enough to deter you from wanting to marry her, let her know in a forthright manner while being as considerate as possible (Richard and Sharon Phillips).

Other Authors

CATEGORY	CUISINE	TAG	YIELD
	Mexican		1	Servings

INGREDIENTS

1	lb	Whole husked tomatillos
1	ts	Extra virgin olive oil
1	sm	Sweet or red onion; chopped fine
1/2	c	Minced fresh cilantro
2		Canned (or to taste) chipotle chiles, minced
1	tb	Vinegar; white or cane
1	ts	Dried oregano (Mexican if you've got it)
1/2	ts	Salt; or more to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Makes about 2 Cus
Heat broiler, cover baking sheet with foil for easier cleaning. Broil
tomatillos 15-18 min, turning occasionally until tomatillos are soft and
dark in spots. Cool briefly.
Warm oil, saute onion until just softened. Chop tomatillos fine, add to
onion in a small bowl. Stir in rest of ingredients. Serve warm or cold.
Posted to CHILE-HEADS DIGEST V4 #141 by Michael Bowers
<bowers@elsie.ucdavis.edu> on Oct 01, 1997

A Message from our Provider:

“Plan ahead — It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.”

Once you have examined your own heart, here are some questions to ask the other person from the start: 1. How does Jesus Christ occupy first place in your life? 2. What are your views on various biblical doctrines? 3. What does your time in the Word and prayer look like? 4. What do you look for in a good church? 5. Do you regularly attend church and how are you serving? 6. Do you have any accountability in your life? 7. Are you presently able to support yourself financially? 8. How do you enjoy spending your free time? 9. What is your meaning of headship and submission? 10. How do you spend your money? 11. How do you handle conflict? 12. What is your criterion for entertainment (movies, television, etc.)? 13. Do you have any addictions? 14. Do you exercise? 15. Do you have any major health concerns? Here are some questions to ask as the relationship advances and heads toward marriage: 16. Would you like to have children? When and how many? 17. How do you feel children should be educated and disciplined? 18. Would you like to rent or own a home? 19. How do you see yourself relating to your parents and in-laws? 20. How do you see yourself relating to people of the opposite gender? 21. When and how do you plan to do family devotions? 22. Who will be the primary breadwinner? Should the wife work outside the home?

Randy Smith