by Dawn H. Swinnie

Created on: July 07, 2011

Growing up as a Christian, rules for dating were always being covered in Sunday school, my parents left no room for argument on what was okay and what was prohibited. Since there's so much to cover, here are the 10 commandments to Christian dating.

1. Thou shalt put God first in your relationship

Couples that pray together stay together and this is true. Let your spiritual relationship grow along with your relationship. He can encourage her through Christ and she can encourage him through Christ.

2. Thou shalt group date until the age of 16

This one is different in each household. Most churches have many youth outings which is great for the couple because they usually won't be around their parents unless their parents are the youth coordinators. But their friends will also be around them which means their group dating. Age 16 means they are responsible for their own decisions but that comes with a curfew. Their parents hope that they instilled enough good values in them to remain on the straight and narrow while the couple is alone.

3. Thou shalt not close thy doors when accompanied in the house.

When the doors are closed in a Christian’s house, it usually mean somebody is doing something they're not supposed to be doing. Old dad wants to make sure you two aren't up to know good so that door will remain open.

4. That shalt date another Christian

This is what it means to be unequally yoked. When a Christian is dating someone who is not, it's hard to keep God amongst the relationship so dating someone who believes the way you do helps moves things more smoothly.

5. Thou shalt not run off into dark places alone together

You know those times when they turn out the lights in the sanctuary and you go off to a dark corner to do whatever. Or the church lock-in and you find an empty Sunday school classroom so you two can get away from the mass. If you are caught, you will have to report to your pastor's office and then your parents will deal with you.

6. Thou wilt not sneak out after hours

This is a common rule for any minor dating. Sneaking out means you're about to do something prohibited and sinful. And the pastor always says, "Your sin shall find you out". So be careful.

7. Thou shalt not reside with partner before marriage

It's an absolute no-no when you tell your parents you love your sweetheart and they have a place and wants you to move in. They won't even think about that, it's a definite no.

8. Thou shalt not participate in ungodly activities.

Different churches are different for this one. At my church, the movies, bowling and clubs are not Godly places. Typical Christian dates would be Christian concerts, mall, restaurants, parks, things like that. But it varies with beliefs and parents.

9. Thou shalt not entertain sexual activity until one is joined with the other.

Everyone knows that abstinence is a big one when maintaining a Christian lifestyle but where people get confused is what all is labeled as sex? Oral sex is sex, sex is sex, and any private areas making contact with another body part is sex. Just so we're clear.

10. Thou shalt refrain from physical activity that will lead to sin.

A hug a smooch is fine but spit hockey in each other's mouths might be a little too far. As the teen in the relationship you have to be the smart on and know what's best for you in your relationship.

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