Most of us applaud couples of any age or in any season of life who endeavor to go slowly in their relationships, because we understand that this commitment is both admirable and respectful. But there is something in all of us that wants to go a little faster than we should. When the speed limit is 70, we want to push the limit. The same thing can happen in a dating relationship. It is wise for dating couples to take it slowly for several reasons. First, it gives each person in the relationship room to breathe and to enjoy dating without the pressure of getting too serious too quickly.
It also protects the heart as individuals gauge whether they are good for each other. And it safeguards couples from pushing physical boundaries they may regret later.
Let the antelopes and the does serve as witnesses. So, if we agree that there is a right and a wrong time to awaken love and that taking it slowly is a good thing, then what in the world does that look like? I propose that going slowly involves more than a simple application of physical and emotional boundaries to a dating relationship. Everything else in a healthy relationship builds on this truth because taking it slowly happens only when both parties are more interested in pleasing God than attracting each other.
God is the one who should set the pace for dating relationships. Therefore, going slowly happens when both parties actively pursue the will of God and intentionally follow His leading. Couples often end up going too fast in their relationship because of personal insecurities. These insecurities can cause couples to rush through the stages of dating just to get to a place where they feel loved and needed.
However, when secure individuals date, they are looking for companionship β not completion. When two individuals are confident in who they are in Christ, they are able to enjoy a slower pace in their relationship because they have put their trust and found their security in Christ alone.
