I present this because of the issue of physical interaction play a part in the ritual of dating. Many who are weak in their resolve and character feel that holding hands, kissing, and hugging would tend to lead one into temptation. I agree the flesh is weak, but I believe God made it that way. In that it forces a man and a woman into being what the Lord created them to be. To be as one.
Now, we can see why the matter of courtship is a difficult thing to undertake as far as what we believe is pleasing in God's eyes. There are no rules in the bible where the issue of courtship is defined. Examples of how we are to present ourselves after we wed are many though. Some would find the dating process a waste of time, money, and emotional energy.
Should we all agree then that we should marry to date? To not use eachother as a garment, trying them on before making a decision to have them be a part of our lives? Judging them? With engagements, if a promise is made, how long do we take before celebrating the union? Most states it is a three day process before the a marriage is legally recognized and a wedding can be performed.
We choose who we love. Can we live by that? Some out there have become familiar with many single individuals who are available to them. Friends from work, from church, from the neighborhood. Is it a challenge to look at them, make a decision and instead of asking them out on a date, making a marriage proposal? Seems farfetch but it is biblically sound. "I know you, I want you, I gotta have you." Easy right? It's cut and dry, means to an end, and immediate to the point.
A dating site increases our options, we are not confined to the choices in our daily lives, by getting to know eachother by notes and phone calls could we make an important decision? Travel hundred of miles to marry someone we have never met face to face? "Sleepless in Seattle"? "You've Got Mail"? Maybe not fairy tales.
I don't think it is who we choose to love that keeps us from bonding with someone, I don't even think it is the fear of making the wrong choice. I think we fear love itself, for how does the bible define love?
1 Cor 13:4-7 ( The Message)
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Grace, mercy, forgiveness, and sacrifice, that is what our Heavenly Father shows us. It is because the Lord loves each of us that much. Is it so hard to make a promise to someone and love them in that way?
