Dating is a huge part of modern society. It’s the slow transition between friendship and marriage. Most people date for companionship, but as Christians, we should look a dating differently than how the world views it. Dating should be a stepping stone to marriage and not just a way of saying “hey, I have a boyfriend or a girlfriend.” The Bible has nothing to say about dating per se since the idea of courtship wasn’t a cultural concept during Biblical times, but there still is a Biblical way to do it.
1. Date someone you can connect with spiritually. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:14 on not being unequally yoked with unbelievers. You don’t want to date someone who thinks God is a joke, but you also don’t want to date a Christian who is just lukewarm and don’t have any desire to grow spiritually.
2. Waiting for sex. The Bible makes it’s evident that we shouldn’t have sex before marriage (1 Corinthians 6:18). Sex is beautiful but can be dangerous if done outside the context of a married man and woman. You can set boundaries like no kissing till marriage, no going to each other’s house without someone being there, have friends around you while you’re going out at night, etc. There are so many ways you can sinfully mess up as a believer, so having friends, parents, or an older church member who isn’t afraid to tell you when you’re messing up is very important.
3. Be willing to forgive. Forgiveness is what keeps a relationship strong. Having unforgiveness in your heart while being in a relationship is toxic and unbiblical. As a couple, you will have moments where you guys will argue and get upset at each other, but it’s important to forgive and forgive quickly (Ephesians 4:26). Many people get divorced over minor disagreements; divorce is not something we should want as believers.
In conclusion, dating is a great way of getting to know your partner before putting a ring on their finger. You don’t have to date to have a strong relationship. Many people get engaged within a week after meeting each other. Dating is often beneficial, but not the end all be all.
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