DAILY TEXT, Monday, January 26, 2026. Be kind to one another (Eph. 4:32).

Let us examine the Scriptures every day 2026

Monday, January 26, 2026

Be kind to one another (Eph. 4:32).

What if problems and disagreements occasionally arise in your courtship? Does that mean the relationship is on the wrong track? Not necessarily, since all couples have disagreements. A strong marriage is the sum of two people working as a team to overcome their differences. So how you deal with problems now is an indication of what your marriage will be like. Ask yourselves: “Are we able to talk things through calmly and respectfully? Do we readily admit our mistakes and strive to improve? Do we know how to compromise, apologize, and forgive?” (Eph. 4:31). But if disagreements and arguments are a constant in your courtship, don’t think things will get better when you get married. If you realize that the other person isn’t right for you, it would be best for both of you to end the courtship. w24.05 29 par. 12

What should couples consider when deciding how long their courtship should last?

How long should a courtship last? Hasty decisions often end badly (Prov. 21:5). So you should take the time you need to get to know the other person well. But don’t put things off unnecessarily either, for the Bible says that “expectations that are delayed make the heart sick” (Prov. 13:12). Also, the longer the courtship lasts, the harder it can be to resist sexual temptations (1 Cor. 7:9). Instead of thinking about how long you have been dating, ask yourself, “What else do I need to know about the other person to make a decision?”

What are some ways to help engaged couples? (See also the image.)

If we know a couple who are dating, how can we help them? Perhaps by inviting them out, for a meal, or to our family worship (Rom. 12:13). This will allow them to get to know each other even better. If they need it, we can offer to accompany them, give them a ride somewhere, or invite them to our home so they can talk without being alone (Gal. 6:10). Alicia, mentioned in paragraph 7, says: “Albert and I were very grateful when some brothers told us we could visit them whenever we wanted a place to be together without being alone.” What if a couple asks us to accompany them? Let’s see it as a wonderful opportunity to help them. Of course, we need to be observant to notice when they need us to give them time and space to talk about their things, but at the same time, we shouldn’t leave them completely alone (Phil. 2:4).

In what other ways can we help engaged couples? (Proverbs 12:18).

Another way to support engaged couples is by being careful about what we say. At times, we may need to restrain ourselves and say nothing (read Proverbs 12:18). For example, we may be excited about telling others that there is a new couple, but the couple may prefer to share the news themselves. We should not go around gossiping about them or criticizing them for personal matters (Prov. 20:19; Rom. 14:10; 1 Thess. 4:11). Nor should we make comments or ask questions that assume they are going to get married. A sister named Elise and her husband recall: “We felt very uncomfortable when people asked us about our wedding plans, even though we hadn’t even talked about it ourselves.”

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