Thank you, Believe! I appreciate your words of wisdom. My overall concern, of course, is the alignment of values. The same like-minded values you looked for or are looking for in a spouse. While I do not dismiss a woman based "impurity", it's important to me that she honors her body. I am open to born-again virgins and perhaps celibacy. Everybody dates based on a value system -- commonalities are the wellspring of chemistry and a successful match. The bible also speaks of being equally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14). While the scripture forewarns believers to join with the wicked, there is also truth in being unequally united. I am a virgin and I would like to marry a virgin. I don't feel there is anything wrong with that. Only virgins understand the sacrifice. But I understand things happen and people can recommit their lives. So, I'm not completely bullheaded, rather, hopeful to align values. Thank you again for your insight!
like i said brother kthespis...
i commend you brother... for your sacrifice.
but to state that only a virgin can understand the sacrifice is one sided brother.
tell that to a single mother or father... struggling in this day and age... or to a wife or husband who chooses to remain in his/her abusive marriage with children.
for we are imperfect humans... and we will always have regrets and remorse.
and if that is your desire to marry a virgin... then that is your choice and not anyone else brother.
and if i offended you brother and made it sound as if i was calling or implying that you are bullheaded... i apologize.
also... instead of looking for a list of commonalities brother... search for a godly character.
for we all know this saying... cut from the same rug... if you know what i mean.
also brother... our lord jesus christ didn't come looking for commonalities in us all... instead our lord jesus christ came looking for that godly character in us all... looking beyond our past... looking beyond our mistakes... and welcomed each one of us with open arms... no matter how the world viewed us or thought of us.
this is what i look for brother... and we all should as well... a godly character.
this is from a godly man who preached this about a godly character compared to a worldly view of what the world calls acceptance or commonalities.
"""... a godly man and a godly woman shouldn't be concerned of outer appearances... such as... tall, skinny, short, more to love, ugly, beautiful, etc... BUT a godly man and a godly woman... should be looking for that godly character from within that godly man or from that godly woman reflecting out to the world... a godly loving character.
for a godly character builds on a solid foundation based upon... meekness, understanding, gentleness, compassion, long suffering, loyalty, respectfulness, temperate, strength for each other, courage to stand together, joyfulness, trust, righteousness between each other, to live to god's holy word together and for the family, patience, and a holy godly love for each other.
for if our lord jesus christ gave the ultimate act of love for you and i... then shouldn't we give to each other that same godly love to one another based upon finished works of glory and of a godly love for us all.
so don't be scared how the world views your godly character of love expressed to one another... for the world will never understand
..."""
much love and god bless you brother.