I want to state very clearly that dating and marrying outside the church is something I do not recommend in the least. It is a massive stumbling block and can only bring trouble in future years. Practically speaking, having an unconverted mate or dating outside the church makes it almost impossible to accomplish God's purpose in us. Even if an unconverted mate is moral, it does not guarantee there will be no friction, because the two ways of life are so incompatible. Life is hard enough as it is, and to knowingly enter such a situation seems foolish to me. Consider the practical challenges: How well can one keep the Sabbath with an unconverted person interfering? What about issues like unclean foods or deciding which religion to teach the children? An unconverted mate complicates matters, often leading to fundamental disagreements that can affect not only the couple but also their children's understanding of marriage and faith. Even in our current situation, where the church is scattered and potential mates are few, this does not give us more leeway to date or marry outside the church. The principle remains unchanged, as God's ways are immutable. Just because we are in a difficult position does not mean we can take matters into our own hands. Trusting in God and waiting patiently for His timing is far better than seeking a human solution that could lead to long-term complications. If, on the rare occasion, you find someone outside the church who seems right for you, do not compromise God's way of life. Be upfront about your beliefs, introduce them to church literature, and observe their reaction. If they are not receptive, it is best to end the relationship quickly. If they respond positively, wait until they are baptized before considering marriage, ensuring their conversion is genuine. However, I must emphasize that this is very rare, and I do not endorse dating outside the church. It is a risky path, and caution is essential.

In these challenging times, the church has fragmented into smaller groups, making it difficult for young people to find compatible mates within their faith. The importance of marrying within the church is emphasized, as it aligns with God's guidance for His people. Marrying outside the faith often leads to significant issues, including disagreements over teaching children, financial contributions, feast attendance, dietary practices, and moral differences. Such unions frequently end in divorce or ongoing unhappiness, with only a few managing to function reasonably well despite persistent struggles. God's instruction is clear: marriage should be with another member of the church to avoid straying from His path. Young individuals are urged to prioritize their relationship with God over worldly temptations and to trust in His plan, even when facing the distress of these end times. Patience and faith are essential, as God understands the plight of today's youth and will provide solutions in His timing.

Many singles in God's church feel a strong pull toward the abundance of singles in the world, often driven by a desire for companionship to offset loneliness. They seek someone attractive in looks and personality to spend time with, have fun with, and share laughter and conversation. Sadly, in their pursuit of like-minded individuals, they foolishly turn to the world, ignoring those who are truly aligned with their beliefs. Dating outside the church presents far greater obstacles and penalties compared to dating within the church, akin to a dangerous game where the risks are immediate and severe. The likelihood of avoiding the wrong person when dating in the world is slim, making it a perilous choice. A major issue arises when singles ignore God's clear guidance against intimate relationships with those outside the church. Some argue there is no one suitable within the church to date or marry, leading them to seek partners in the world with the hope that God will convert their chosen person. This presumption attempts to force God's hand rather than trusting in His will. Others feel the pressure of time, fearing they will miss out on marriage if they do not act soon, yet they must remember that physical marriage is temporary compared to eternity, and making the wrong choice can lead to lifelong hardship. Reality often sets in when an unconverted spouse resents the faith, creating daily conflicts over beliefs, practices, and priorities, which strain even the strongest relationships. Satan may use an unconverted mate to pressure singles to compromise their faith, exploiting vulnerabilities to disrupt their spiritual walk. The principle of not being unequally yoked with unbelievers highlights a profound dissimilarity between believers and non-believers, making such unions improper and injurious. There can be no true fellowship or communion between righteousness and lawlessness, light and darkness, emphasizing the need for separation in intimate relationships. Dating outside the church is seen as idolatry, placing a worldly person above God's purpose, and interfering with His plan. Singles are cautioned against rushing into relationships with the intention of converting someone, as this disrupts the proper order of discernment and wisdom. Instead, they should wait patiently, trusting that God will provide the right mate at the right time, according to His will, ensuring a future filled with joy and fulfillment rather than compromise and sorrow.