A disciple at Spellman College in Atlanta shares her convictions about dating and the Sisters Appreciation Night at the Greater Atlanta Christian Church.
“Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters.” ~ 1Timothy 5:2 (NLT)
Dating, dating, dating. Defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “an engagement to go out socially with another person, often out of romantic interest,” but usually defined by our modern-day culture as this “romantic interest” gone completely out of control. But on Friday, November 13th, 2009, the Campus Ministry of the Greater Atlanta Church of Christ came together to RE-define the standard for what dating relationships should – and can – look like…in a radical way!
We know that dating has always been a hot topic amongst young people. Questions of “who-liked-who,” “who-dated-who,” “who-broke-up-with-who,” and “who-got-back-with-who” have bombarded hallways of junior high and high schools for generations. As college students, finding that “special someone” can sometimes seem like the most important thing on earth, yet we often find ourselves in relationships filled with hurt feelings, selfishness, impurity, and disappointment. This is inevitable when we look to please ourselves in these relationships; however, when we look to please God, dating becomes new, fresh, exciting, and a lot of fun!
We wholeheartedly believe that as young people who are fighting hard to live for God every single day, it becomes that much more crucial that we set a godly standard for our relationships, and that our relationships with members of the opposite sex are characterized by absolute purity. Discussions at the devotional were centered on how we can take hold of God’s Word and use it as the guide for how to encourage our brothers and sisters in healthy male-female friendships, as well as the standard for what to do when those friendships become exclusive dating relationships. Some of the questions that were asked included: What is the difference between a date and a “hang-out” time? What are some of the most encouraging ways to thank a brother after he has taken you out? How do the brothers feel when the sisters “flip the script” and ask them on dates? Overall, our “Dating Devotional” was an overwhelming success, accompanied by awesome sharing from campus brothers and sisters, hilarious (yet very informative) skits, and great fellowship.
As if the weekend could have possibly gotten any more exciting, the sisters of the Greater Atlanta Church of Christ Campus Ministry happened to be in for a treat that very next evening. The brothers of the Campus Ministry totally blew us away at the AMAZING Sisters Appreciation ceremony that they prepared to encourage and inspire their sisters in Christ in ways that only mighty men of God can! The night was made more than memorable by the gorgeous island theme, the fabulous cuisine (which, might we add, they prepared themselves), and the chivalrous treatment that each young lady enjoyed as she was escorted into the room,her chair was pulled back, her cup was refilled, and her evening sparkled with lively conversation. To top it all off, each sister was encouraged individually by special presentations – including spoken word, heartfelt poetry, dance performances, and original songs and artwork – made by each brother with only her in mind. All of us find it difficult to think of other times in life when we had ever felt so special, and we know that it is only because of God at work within the brothers that we can experience such encouragement. From the bottom of our hearts, brothers…we thank you!
If this article has inspired you, caught your eye, or even sparked a question, we invite you to come and check out one of the many Bible Talks and Devotionals that we have on campuses across the Metro Atlanta area, or email us at thegacc@gmail.com for more information. Come experience life to the full…it doesn’t get any better than this! (John 10:10)
Jordan Webber
Spelman University
Class of 2011
