Biblical Principles for Godly Dating

Biblical Principles for Godly Dating

Dating in today's culture can be frustrating.  The worldly culture encourages casual relationships without deeper purpose or commitment.  However, adhering to Biblical principles concerning dating and relationships can help you navigate the dating scene with purpose and integrity.  Here are several Scriptural guidelines to help you discover Biblical principles for Godly dating.

Seek God First

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you. - Matthew 6:33

Matthew 6:33 reminds us to seek God and His righteousness before anything else.  Before you enter into a dating relationship, examine your relationship with God.  Be sure your relationship with Him is solid.  Pray for God to guide you as you look for a dating partner who shares your faith and values.  Seeking God and His righteousness before anything else or anyone else in your life gives you a strong foundation for your dating life and helps you discern whether a potential partner's faith and moral code aligns with yours.

Establish Clear Boundaries

Flee sexual immorality. Every other sin that a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought for a price: therefore glorify God in your body. - 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

It is important to set boundaries in your dating relationship.  1 Corinthians 6:18-20 makes this Biblical principle for Godly dating clear.  Paul tells us to flee sexual immorality.  Establishing physical, emotional, and Spiritual boundaries protects both you and your dating partner, allowing the relationship to grow in a healthy, respectful way.  Talk to your dating partner about your moral boundaries early to make sure both of you live by the same principles and feel valued.

Evaluate Character, Not Appearance

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. - Proverbs 31:30

While physical attraction is a huge part of dating, Proverbs 31:30 reminds us that the outward appearance is only part of a person's attraction.  A person's physical beauty might be what attracts you to him or her, but also focus on evaluating his or her character traits.  You want to know as early as possible whether or not your dating partner's character traits align with Biblical values.  Look for character qualities like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23.  A Godly relationship should be rooted in Godly character, which is far more precious than physical attraction alone.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23

Surround Yourself with Community

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. - Proverbs 27:17

Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that we are made for community.  We were not created to endure the trials of this earthly life alone.  This is just as true for seeking a dating partner as all other walks of life.  Getting involved in a community of fellow believers provides a culture of accountability in your dating journey.  Seek the counsel of friends you trust or mentors in your life who can offer you wise advice and encouragement.  Participating in group dates or social church events helps foster relationships in a Christ-centered environment.

Communicate Openly

But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ. - Ephesians 4:15

It is important for dating partners to have good communication skills.  Ephesians 4:15 tells us we are to speak the truth in love.  Honesty is vital to a successful relationship.  Without honesty between dating partners, a Godly relationship cannot survive.  Be honest with each other about your feelings, expectations, and future plans.  Remember to discuss faith-related topics early in the relationship to be sure your beliefs align with Scripture.

Embrace Perseverance

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor, not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. - Romans 12:10-13

Dating relationships do not always go as planned.  When disappointments happen, Romans 12:10-13 reminds us that God has a perfect plan for your life, even when things don't work out the way you hoped they would.  Lean into prayer and stand strong in your faith as you navigate the ups and downs of dating.  Whether you are in a solid relationship or still praying for God to send the right person your way, you can remain faithful to God in all your other relationships by being devoted to one another in brotherly love, giving preference to one another in honor, remaining diligent in your faith and devotion to others, remaining fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope, persevering in your hardest days, devoting yourself to prayer, contributing to the needs of others, and being kind to those around you. 

Godly dating is a journey that honors God, fosters healthy relationships, and builds a strong foundation for your future family. By keeping these Biblical principles in mind, you can pursue a dating life that is not only fulfilling but also aligns with your spiritual values. Remember, the goal of dating should not solely be finding a partner, but cultivating a relationship that glorifies God and mirrors His love for His bride, the church.

If you would like to go deeper into honoring God in your dating relationships, I have a 7 day dating devotional journey for you.  Godly Dating in an UnGodly World is a 7 day devotional journal for teens, but it's good for adults too as the dating principles are the same for both teens and adults.  In this journal, you will ponder and mediate on the truths that not only shape our understanding of love and relationships but also empower us to walk in faith, purity, and the light of God's unfailing love.  Each day begins with a scripture relating to relationships.  Each Scripture verse is followed by a short explanation of the Biblical truth.  Then, you are given three practical steps to apply the Bible verse to your dating life.  Finally, you are given a journaling prompt so that you can record your thoughts, feelings, applications, etc.  

Godly Dating in an UnGodly World is a great tool for getting your dating life started off on the right foot.

The Biblical Principles for Godly Dating 7 Day Devotional Journal for Teens (and Adults) is available here.

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Biblical Principles for Godly Dating

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