I admit it is sometimes hard to interact with the opposite sex, even in the church. Some people go too far and forget basic boundaries that should be observed to avoid unnecessary temptations, especially among youths and also married people.
Can it be possible to interact with the opposite sex in church and still maintain purity in all aspects? The answer is yes. If you choose to do it, it is possible. The Bible calls us to be wise and guard our hearts with all diligence. (Proverbs 4:23)
Our conversations as believers should “be gracious, seasoned with salt so that we might know what and how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6)
Related: Is it okay to date in high school?
What does Bible teach about our conduct while interacting with the opposite sex?
I’m not saying there is any problem interacting with the opposite sex in church or outside the church. Nevertheless, our conduct should reflect who we are in Christ, and avoid acting in lustful persons like the heathens who do not know God.
We will draw our inspiration from Paul’s advice to his spiritual son Timothy. In 1 Timothy 5:1-2, the Apostle Paul advises Timothy “to refrain from rebuking an older man, but instead exhort him as he would a father; to treat younger men like brothers, older women like mothers, and younger women like sisters, in or purity”.
Timothy was a youth in an office that guaranteed him more advantage over the rest. In our current dispensation, it is easy to be lured away from the truth and abuse that authority, especially by taking advantage of young women who adore you. For this reason, Timothy was to exercise purity by handling young women in all purity.
What does in all purity mean in 1 Timothy 4:12?
What Paul meant with “in a purity” simply means Timothy was to view all people and especially young women just as one would his own sister. To treat them like blood sisters. No one in his right mind lusts after his own sister or seeks to devour his sister, or even harm her in any way. But he seeks to protect her and love her in the Lord with no strings attached. This was a call to exercise self-control.
You do not rebuke your father or mother but speak to them in humility. In the same way, Timothy was to treat the elderly in the church.
This does not mean you cannot date in the church. However, you and your fiancé should conduct yourself in a manner that brings glory to God. “By setting an example to other believers in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, and purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
Again, Paul advised Timothy “to shun youthful passions and aim at righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call upon The Lord from a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)
