Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.
Is there a right way to go about dating once you've lost a spouse?
Key Points:
- Can we remarry if a spouse dies? We can (Romans 7:1-3) but this does not mean we should. Give a hearing to the wise counsel of friends and loved ones, but ultimately the time to move forward into a new relationship is between you, your potential new partner, and God.
- This is a great time to evaluate yourself. What kind of spouse were you, how can you be better, what do you bring to the table? Reflect and use your wisdom to become better than you were before.
- Spend some time thinking about your standards for the person you’re going to date. Ask yourself whether you have the same values and if they are a Christian. Go deeper than just what you have in common or whether you are attracted to them.
- Don’t let the previous marriage cast a shadow over the current marriage. Comparing the two marriages can be damaging to the current one, so it’s important to let the one you’re in now take the priority.
Quote This:
Romans 7:1-3 Now, dear brothers and sisters[—you who are familiar with the law—don’t you know that the law applies only while a person is living? For example, when a woman marries, the law binds her to her husband as long as he is alive. But if he dies, the laws of marriage no longer apply to her. So while her husband is alive, she would be committing adultery if she married another man. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law and does not commit adultery when she remarries.
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What is some good advice you’ve gotten from people since your spouse passed? What is some not-so good advice?
- Read Romans 7:1-3. What are your thoughts on this passage? Are you ready to start dating again? How do you know?
- What are some areas you can see in retrospect you could have done better with in your previous marriage? How can you be better about these things in a new relationship?
- What are your standards for dating a new person? What are the “must-haves” or “deal-breakers”?
- What are some ways the previous marriage can “cast a shadow” over a new relationship? How can you guard against this problem?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
