“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” - 2 Peter 3:18

True confession: I’m not a huge fan of books on dating. I’ve always focused more on marriage. This is a personal preference. However, I LOVED Godly Dating 101. I think it’s an incredibly useful book - whether single, dating, or married. Why? Because the title is a sneaky one.

Why is it sneaky? I bet you are sitting there right now thinking this would be a great book to get all the scoop on dating. Picturing finding a chapter on planning the perfect date, picking the perfect guy, or how far is too far in a dating relationship. Those things are touched on, but that’s not the purpose of this book.

Tovares and Safa do a great job of drawing people in with this title and naming their book after their ministry. Once you pick up the book, you are in for a surprise though. This book is ALL of the work you need to do for yourself in order to be in a relationship. Each chapter talks about different ways you need to grow to be a great spouse one day. They are advocating for the hard thing - working on YOURSELF before dating or marriage.

Godly Dating 101 is the perfect book on dating in a self - focused world. It bring us back to the heart of things - Jesus. We need to grow in who God has called us to become BEFORE dating. As someone in their early 30s who is single, I align with many of the things Tovares and Safa advocate for. Personally, rather than dating to discover what I liked, I chose to become the person I would want to be for a spouse. Dating is not a social event or social club. It is with the intent to consider marriage together.

Are you ready for marriage? No? Don’t date then. Think you are ready for marriage? Go on that date and listen to the tips in this book on what to look for in a spouse. Either way, pick up a copy of this book for you or your friends who may need it. Marriage and a spouse is so much more than a time to fulfill you own needs. It is selfless work that points you even more for your need of a Savior and the beauty of what He did for you.