Quotes by James C. Dobson

The relationship between a guy and a girl naturally becomes more intimate as they spend time together.

I read one study that indicated when a couple has been together for approximately three hundred hours, even most of those who are trying to be moral will do things they didnt intend originally. They may not even realize that is where the relationship is headed until it happens.

Im delighted to tell you that Jesus Christ offers complete and total forgiveness to anyone who will repent and believe on His name. ...There are no sins that He cannot cleanse, and Hes promised that they will be gone forever.

That kind of forgiveness is of God. And if they have it, they have it, and if they dont, well, maybe theyll find it someday.

Sometimes were so concerned about giving our children what we never had growing up, that we neglect to give them what we DID have growing up.

There is no record in Scripture that an angel visited John’s cell to explain the meaning of his persecution. This great, godly man who was the designated forerunner to Jesus went through the same confusing experiences as we. It is comforting to know that John responded in a very human way. He sent a secret message to Jesus from his prison cell, asking “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3). Have you ever felt like asking that question?

Therefore, a search for Gods will should begin on your knees. He will meet you there. Remember that Jesus promised, Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7).

Now I need to speak directly and with compassion to those who have already pushed open the door of premarital sex. The monster has been released. Youve lost your virginity and may have been sexually active for years. Perhaps youve been carrying a load of guilt for doing what you knew was wrong.

When you strip away all the layers one by one, not much remains to “discover.” You will never find real meaning among your selfish interests, feelings, and aspirations. The answers do not lie within you.

10. Comparison is the root of all feelings of inferiority. The moment you begin examining other people’s strengths against your most obvious weaknesses, your self-esteem starts to crumble!

Whenever you begin to conclude, I cant win, and Whats the use? youve set yourself up for failure. Your pessimism becomes a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy.

Let me leave you with this thought, written by my father before he died. If you incorporate it into your system of values, it will serve as a worthy guide to the management of your sexual energy: Strong desire is like a river. As long as it flows within the banks of God’s will—be the current strong or weak—all is well. But when it overruns those boundaries and seeks its own channels, then disaster lurks in the rampage below.

What I am recommending to the unmarried person, therefore, comes straight out of the Word: Stay out of bed unless you there alone! I know that advice is difficult to put into practice today. But I didnt make the rules. Im just passing them along. Gods moral laws are not designed to oppress us or deprive us of pleasure. They are there to protect us from the devastation of sin, including disease, heartache, divorce, and spiritual death. Abstinence before marriage and fidelity afterward is the Creators own plan, and no one has devised a way to improve on it.

Third, it is helpful to seek advice from those who are spiritually mature and solid in their faith. A godly counselor or pastor can assist you in avoiding the common mistakes that confuse many young people.

Dr. Morris believes, and I strongly agree, that couples are most likely to bond securely when they have not rushed the dating experience. Time is the critical ingredient.

The dominant philosophy in today’s public university is called relativism, which categorically denies the existence of truth or moral absolutes. Those who are foolish enough to believe in such archaic notions as biblical authority or the claims of Christ are to be pitied—or bullied.

28. Feelings are neither right nor wrong. Its what you do with them that causes the problems.

So enjoy the exhilaration when it comes. Take the ride to the heights when you get the opportunity. But dont get hooked on the thrill of the moment. Take charge of your emotions. And when it comes time to do the right thing, dont let your feelings lead you to compromise. That is the way to live a happier, more successful life and one that is more pleasing to God.

Your most precious memories will focus on those you loved, those who loved you, and what you did together in the service of the Lord.

31. The human body seems indestructible when we are young. However, it is incredibly fragile and must be care for if it is to serve us for a lifetime. Too often, the abuse it takes during early years (from drugs, improper nutrition, sporting injuries, etc.) becomes painful handicaps during later years.