Dating: Why Laying a Strong Foundation is Important

Boundaries...

1 Corinthians 10:13 �No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.� What does this mean? That you can maintain a relationship full of purity. Boundaries or guidelines help to govern the physical and emotional aspects of a relationship. Boundaries help to guard the emotions and protect the heart of the individuals involved. �Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.� Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) �You don�t need boundaries when you are feeling strong and spiritually sharp�you need them for the moments when your resistance is weak and your sense of conviction dull.� (1) �Dating involves risks, and boundaries help to navigate those risks; boundaries are our �property lines� which define and protect you.�(2) What�s Inside Your Boundaries: (Boundaries in Dating by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend Referenced)

• Your love: How do you love? Fast? Hard? What does love mean to you?
• Your emotions: What are your dominant emotions? Are you in control of your emotions? Do your emotions change based on someone else�s mood?
• Your values: What are your values? Where did those values come from? Are your values important to you? Is your courtship partner aware of your values? What values do you share? What values differ?
• Your behaviors: How do you react in certain situations? How do you confront certain issues? What behaviors do you have that typically define you? How would your courtship partner say you react to various things?
• Your attitudes: How do you feel about yourself? How would you describe yourself? How would your courtship partner describe you/your attitude?

Types of Boundaries: (Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris Referenced) A sample list is provided below to serve as a guideline as you and your courtship partner began setting your guidelines/boundaries. What will we have on our boundaries list? What should we cover? Referring to the second paragraph reflect back on what boundaries are and start from there�they help govern how you and your partner will treat each other and navigate through risks in your relationship if and when they arise. When it comes to boundaries don�t be afraid to be specific. For instance, under physical boundaries you can agree that you will not lie down next to each other or that you will not cuddle/hold each other. (1)

• Things to consider (how we will GUARD each other emotionally)
• Boundaries and Communication
• Things to consider (phone conversations; time of day you will talk; limit to which you will talk daily; etc)