Navigating the World: Wisdom for Dating as a Latter-day Saint Disciple

There are moments in our journey—moments of profound spiritual growth, moments of deep learning in the temple, and yes, moments of navigating the wonderfully complex landscape of dating.

As returned missionaries, we learn that the Spirit speaks in whispers, and sometimes those whispers come in the form of tough questions from friends, family, or even potential companions. It takes preparation, not just for the mission field, but for life itself. It’s a constant process of becoming more Christlike, and that includes learning how to build healthy, covenant-centered relationships.

I was recently thinking about how much the podcast episode, Saints Unscripted, tackled the topic of dating in the LDS Church. It’s refreshing to hear faithful members tackle these subjects head-on, reacting to the very questions that pop into our minds—the ones we might feel awkward enough to keep to ourselves.

The Art of the Conversation

What struck me most was the emphasis on *answering* questions, rather than just giving answers. Whether we're in a missionary discussion, in a Book Club, or simply having coffee with someone we care about, we are constantly being tested in our ability to articulate the gospel with grace. The podcast covered everything from the Book of Mormon hoax to the deeper spiritual implications of our covenants, showing that no topic is off-limits when the Spirit is guiding the conversation.

For those of us who are preparing for the field, or who are already out there serving as internet missionaries, this is vital training. We need to be ready to discuss our beliefs thoughtfully, humbly, and with genuine love. Remember, our goal is always to point people back to the Savior, not to win an argument.

If you’re looking for a resource that tackles these kinds of real-life, sometimes thorny topics with honesty and humor, I highly recommend listening to the full episode of Saints Unscripted where they discuss dating. It’s a great reminder that discipleship is holistic—it covers our relationships, our beliefs, and our daily choices.

A Quick Mission Prep Skill: When you feel yourself getting defensive during a conversation about faith, take a breath. Before responding, pause and ask yourself: "What is the Spirit prompting me to share *instead* of defending?" Often, the answer is a simple testimony or a scripture reference that redirects the focus back to Christ.

The Lord knows we are called to be disciples everywhere, all the time. Whether you’re studying in HolyPlaces, working on your own scripture study, or just having a quiet moment of reflection, remember that every interaction is an opportunity to live the gospel. Let's keep building up the Kingdom, one conversation at a time!

If you enjoyed this reflection, please consider joining a local Book Club or Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. There are so many brothers and sisters ready to learn alongside you. For deeper dives into doctrine, check out the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook—it's a goldmine of insights!

For those who love deep dives into doctrine, I always recommend checking out the latest writings by an Iron Rod author available in LivingBook. Keep studying, keep sharing, and keep following the Savior!