This week Eric and I will be team-teaching what the Bible says about dating. You might be surprised.  

And we have intentionally timed our Real series about relationships for February because, whether you love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day makes almost everyone think about romance. I wonder if you realize how big of a deal the day we just celebrated is. It is a day recognized around the world that celebrates love. While February 14 marks a day of candy, flowers, greeting cards, and romantic dinners around the United States, other parts of the world have their own unique ways to celebrate.  

In the United Kingdom anonymous valentines are sent to romantic interests because it is believed that signing their name to the card is considered bad luck.  

In Wales, rather than celebrate love on February 14, residents celebrate St. Dwynwen’s Day on January 25. St. Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers and men traditionally gift women with hand-carved wooden spoons.  

In Japan women make the first move on Valentine’s Day. They give men gifts instead of the other way around, a popular gift being honmei-choco, a homemade chocolate. Men return the gesture on March 14, when men give women white chocolate and other white gifts as a sign of their affection.  

Finland and Estonia celebrate Friend’s Day on February 14, a day for honoring both friends and significant others. Cards and gifts are still given out and can be for anyone from a best friend to a neighbor. February 14 is also a popular day to get engaged in both countries. Additionally, Estonia has an interesting tradition for single people - they can take a ride on the Love Bus in hopes of meeting someone special. Anyone else hearing the background song for the show? Sorry.  

You may be in a romantic relationship (or one that used to be and you wish was again). 

You may wish you were dating someone. 

You may wonder what God has to say about the relationship you’re in. 

You may wonder how what God says compares/contrasts to what our culture says.  

This Sunday we will begin that conversation.