Christian Dating Rules and Tips

Christian dating rules.

The discussion of Christian dating is a difficult one. The questions to be answered are usually quite thorny. And different people hold a wide range of beliefs on each question.

Add to that the fact that young people who are usually the focus of such advice typically don't understand the gravity of the conversation. And that's okay because it's perfectly normal to overestimate your strength when you are young.

However, the fact remains that the goal of Christian dating is still to glorify God. For that, there are a couple of tips that will be helpful to every Christian couple out there dating.

The Goal of Christian Dating

Maybe the first place to begin when talking about Christian dating is to ask, what exactly is the goal? If you know where you want to be, then and only then can you begin to properly plan how to get there.

To many people, the goal of Christian dating is marriage. And while it is true that Christians date with a view to long-term commitment in marriage, that's not necessarily the goal. After all, many Christian couples date each other and then go their separate ways. Has their dating therefore been useless because it did not lead to marriage? Of course not.

The goal of Christian dating is simply to get to know your partner and assess your compatibility for marriage while helping each other get closer to God. It may be at the end of the day that you both decide to get married. And maybe you won't. However, that need not stop dating from being a period of mutual growth and encouragement in your relationship with God.

Christian dating on the beach.

Tips For Christian Dating

As mentioned above, Christian dating ought to be done in such a way as to glorify God. Here are some tips to enable Christian couples to navigate the dating phase.

1. Think long-term

Commitment is at an all-time low in today's world, especially on the dating scene. And the idea of thinking about where a relationship might be headed is not so popular. Many people date with no clear end goal in mind.

However, as Christians, your dating must be with the ultimate goal of marriage in mind. So don't live in the moment all the time. Think about your long-term compatibility with your partner. Do your goals, dreams, and vision align for the long run?

2. Commit to purity

This is one of the most hotly contested ideas in the world today as far as dating is concerned. Everyone is having sex these days, and the idea of abstinence is seen as outdated. Nonetheless, as Christians, we are committed to obeying God, and God prescribes sexual purity for everyone before marriage. So date with that in mind. Don't let yourselves overestimate your strength when resisting sexual temptation. Set boundaries to reduce the possibility of temptation. And pray for the grace to stay pure.

A Christian couple strolls through town on a date.

3. Don't date in the dark

Christian life and living is essentially a very communal affair, and dating should be no exception. We don't mean you should announce your relationship from the rooftops. However, it does mean that you should at least have a few trusted people aware of your relationship. Friends, mentors, parents, and such. That way, there can be extra accountability, and they provide you with advice, prayers, and support as needed.

4. Lean on God for help

As Christians, we are acutely aware that we need God's help for every aspect of our lives. Dating is no exception. You may go into a relationship with the best of intentions, but without God's help, you can still end up in trouble. So, lean on God for help. Pray. Alone and with your partner. Seek counsel from older and wiser believers. Weigh your decisions carefully. And give the devil no room in your relationship.

Conclusion

Although navigating dating as a Christian can be tricky, it is certainly doable. The world might be going in an opposite direction from you on several issues concerning dating, but that is no problem. You know who you are. And if you trust Him to help you, He will.

FAQ

Is it okay to kiss while dating?

Questions about physical intimacy are always much debated in Christian circles. However, the general principle here is to avoid anything that defiles your heart.

What should I look for in a Christian partner?

The Bible disapproves of the relationships in the modern world. To look for a good Christian partner, choose someone who will make a good Christian spouse. They should be honest, humble, teachable, and mostly God-fearing.

What does the Bible say about dating?

The Bible doesn't specifically refer to dating. But from what we know about God's views on marriage, we can infer that he's interested in us ascertaining the person's character before we commit. So, don't be quick to jump into relationships. Find out what they're like before you do.

How does a man decide if you are the one?

There is no definitive answer, but usually, a man will know when he has found the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with. He may feel an intense connection with her or know she is the right person for him.

What are good boundaries for Christian dating?

Some people believe Christians should not kiss before marriage, but there is no clear rule in the Bible about this. It is important to set boundaries in your relationship and communicate with each other about what is comfortable for you.

Do and don'ts in Christian dating?

There is no definitive list of do's and don'ts in Christian dating, but there are some general guidelines that can help you set healthy boundaries and make wise decisions.

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