QUESTION: What are your personal views on group dating?
ANSWER: One of the misconceptions many young people have is that they need to date one-on-one in order to learn more about a person. But you can learn just as much about someone in a group setting.
I prefer that young singles date in groups, because today you find that teenagers will go out on a date with someone they just met. They don't know anything about the person they're going out with and they can get hurt. So, I encourage them to go out in groups.
When you go out with a group of people that you've spent time with and trust, they'll watch out for you. Another thing is that you get to enjoy the company of someone you like without the added temptations that come from being alone with that person.
You should observe the individual whom you're interested in and notice how he or she responds to other people of the same sex as well as the opposite sex. That will tell you a lot. The two things you're looking for are whether or not the person shows respect for his peers and for his parents.
QUESTION: I have a problem with the girl my son is currently dating, and I'm not sure what to do. She is openly rude and disrespectful to me sometimes. It is almost as though she resents the fact that my son is committed to his family. I've come real close to setting her straight, but I've held back because of my son.
ANSWER: Sometimes you have to look past how people act to find out what it is they're reacting to. Your case sounds a lot like jealousy to me. It may be that this young lady considers your son to be hers and is trying to protect what she thinks belongs to her. She may also feel threatened that you'll see right through her.
I would definitely pray. If the Lord leads you to confront her, then make sure you do it in love. Just because she's been rude and disrespectful doesn't mean you have to be too. We must remember to overcome evil with good.
Study references: Romans 12:21; James 1:5; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
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Pastor Deborah L. Butler is the first lady of Word of Faith International Christian Centre located in Southfield, Michigan where she serves in ministry with her husband, Bishop Keith A. Butler.
Pastor Deborah is a licensed and ordained minister of the Gospel. Her encouraging, yet down-to-earth teaching imparts wisdom from the Word of God to all that hear her speak. One of Pastor Butler's many duties is serving as the Director of the Women of Virtue Ministry. Pastor Deborah is often called to travel to other ministries to teach and admonish women to walk in the wisdom of God and to experience peace in every area of their lives.
