There is all kinds of advice out there about
dating today, but a lot of it is about dating in the world.
Christians need to have a different attitude toward dating. However,
even among Christians there are differences as to whether you should
or should not date. The choice is up to your and your parents, but
you should still know God’s perspective on dating.
Non-Christians have a different perspective on
dating. You see the magazines, TV shows, and movies that tell you
how you’re young, and you should date a lot of people before you get
married. You see certain “role models” jumping from one dating
relationship to another.
Yet God has more in store for you than just
jumping from one relationship to another. He is clear on whom you
should date and why you should date.
As a Christian, you live according to a
different standard – God’s. Yet it’s not just about following the
rules. There are some solid reasons why God asks us to live a
certain way, and dating is no different.
Why Should You Date (Or Not Date)?
While most people have differing opinions
about dating, it is one area of the Bible where there is not a lot
of information. However, you can get some idea of God’s expectations
from certain scripture verses:
Genesis 2:24: “For this reason a man will
leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they
will become one flesh.” (NIV)
Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your
heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (NIV)
1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love
is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It
is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it
keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but
rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always
hopes, always perseveres.” (NIV)
These three scriptures give insight into the
dating life of a Christian. We need to realize that God means for us
to meet the ONE person that we are meant to marry. According to
Genesis, a man will leave home to marry one women to become one
flesh. You do not need to date a lot of people – just the right one.
Also, we need to guard our hearts. The word
“love” is thrown around with little thought. Yet, we often live for
love. We live for God’s love first and foremost, but we also live
for the love of others. While there are many definitions of love,
1Corinthians tells us how God defines love.
It is love that should drive us to date, but
it should not be the shallow version of love. When you date it
should be taken seriously. You should know the person you are dating
and know their beliefs.
You should check your potential boyfriend
against the values listed in 1Corinthians. Ask yourself if the two
of you are patient and kind to one another. Are you envious of one
another? Do you boast about one another or to each other? Go through
the characteristics to measure your relationship.
