As a single parent, is it all right for me to date? Should I wait until my children are grown?

As a single parent, is it all right for me to date? Should I wait until my children are grown?
Let love for God and your children determine your choices.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 | posted 1/30/2009

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If you're thinking of dating (or you're currently dating), consider that the person(s) you choose to date can influence you and your children for better or for worse, and that impact can be far-reaching. So search 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 for a description of the kind of relationship God wants for you: Can you "thank God" for this person? Does this person show that he is "holy," and that your relationship is "holy," which means set apart for use by God? Do your actions with this person share in "the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ," which means bring positive attention to God for God's purposes? Can you "stand fast" in your relationship to God while with this person? Does your time with this person show that "our God and Father … has loved us?"

That's a lot of questions. But they help you evaluate the health of a dating relationship. Before children, dating is a trio; after you have children, it's a quartet: you, God, your date, and your children. Make sure any dating relationship moves in harmony with your relationship to God and your children, and brings positive attention to God. (See also Isaiah 51:12-16; Daniel 12.)

Good Words to Remember:

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17

Today's Challenge:

Do your dating relationships honor God and your children? Ask God to give you discernment.

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