Expert: Dr Tim Gladu - 8/10/2009

Question
Hello,
My name is Zach Harper, I'm 15 years old and a pretty strong Christian. I met my girlfriend about 8 months ago when she started coming to my youth group, but we started going out around 2 weeks ago and youth group is pretty much the only place we see eachother. While at a lock-in at my church 2 days ago we were playing sardines, and she was the first to find me, and she started leaning towards my face to kiss me and I pulled away. The reason for this is because I'm unsure if it's not, I don't know, against God to kiss the one you're dating in a church? Do you think you could help me out on this issue?

Thank you in advance,

Zach Harper

Answer
Zach,

You sound to me to be very concerned about what would Jesus do. Well that is a great motto to live by. You have to be able to follow your heart. You are really moving into young adult and have to be considerate what are you going to do when no one is watching. How you act is about integrity and honesty. The fact that you are concerned about is a good sign that you are taking the right path. The Holy Spirit must be present in you to make you able to control your hormones. You have to be careful to really use your head in this current time. You have plenty of time to explore the opposite sex. They are not going anywhere. You have to be able to look at your wife when you get one and say I am glad I waited for you. Now as far as the kissing in church I would think that as long as you’re not just hiding and making out and getting all hot and bothered then I do not think it would be bad. Just make sure to keep the balance and be mindful of where you are and the respect that brings with it. The building that we worship is a place that we meet. The church is the people in that building. Remember this and keep that in mind because the building could be destroyed but the church will be there no matter what.