Courting: Boy meets girl by Harris

Today I'm adding 'Boy meets girl' by Joshua Harris to the Master Reading List under the category of Courting (Available from Amazon).

Most of us can sympathise with the book of Proverbs when it says: 'There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden' (Proverbs 30:18-19).  Romantic relationships are indeed complicated and usually surpass our understanding.  Particularly when they involve our own pursuit of a spouse. 

But Joshua Harris is here to help as he wades into the difficult subject and teaches us the basics of Christian courting.  In the first part of 'Boy meets girl' we are taught what is:
(i) purposeful romance (the relationship should have marriage as its goal);
(ii) wise romance (not just romantic feelings);
(iii) a right decision about who to marry and when.

Then in the second part of the book Harris gives counsel to those courting on:
(i) growing as friends;
(ii) communication;
(iii) the roles of men and women;
(iv) involving your local church in your courtship;
(v) maintaining sexual purity.

The third part suggests items that should be discussed before the marriage, including past sexual sin.

Overall, the book gives much wise counsel for would-be husbands and wives.  Not only that, the book is easy to read and interspersed with helpful (and often entertaining!) illustrations.

If you want to understand the way a man should behave with the maiden he wants to marry, Harris is a most helpful guide.