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Dear Aurelia,
I have good news for you, Aurelia! God wants you to be happy--happy right now, happy next year, and happy for eternity. That is the base line upon which we will answer your question.
It’s not wrong to like someone specially and to enjoy spending time with them. The problem may come, however, when you choose to spend time with just that special person--in other words, you become “a couple.” Some teens who pair off become obsessed with each other and neglect their relationships with God, their family, and their other friends. Further, sociologists tell us that 80% of teen couples who date four months or longer become sexually active, thus increasing the likelihood of disease or pregnancy. An early pregnancy or marriage causes many teens to abandon their dreams of an education and fulfilling career.
Hanging out with a group of friends is fun! You learn a lot about people of both genders, plus you and your friends could plan meaningful projects to help others together.
Remember the bottom line--God wants you to be happy! His dreams for your life are bigger and better than your own.
For further study and prayer:
- 1 Cor. 6:9.10,18;
- 1 Thessalonians 4:3,5,7,8;
- 2 Timothy 2:22;
- Matthew 5:8
- Messages to Young People, p. 443-451
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