Dating can be one of the most exciting and fulfilling experiences of our lives.
It is a time when we get to connect with someone we love and cherish, share some of life’s best experiences, and learn about ourselves in the process.
However, in a world where people are swayed by social media and societal values rather than the word of God, it can be difficult to honor God while dating.
As Christians, we believe that dating is an opportunity to bring us closer to God, and help us discover our identity in Him.
So, how do we date in a way that pleases Him?
Let’s look at some practical steps we can follow to honor God while dating.
Seek God First
Before you even consider embarking on a dating journey, it is important to first seek God’s direction.
This means that you should spend time in prayer and reflection, asking God to lead you toward a relationship that is in line with His will.
Once you have sought His guidance, you can then trust that He will guide you toward the right person.
Build a Strong Foundation
A relationship built on a strong foundation of love, trust, and respect goes a long way in honoring God.
When building a strong foundation, communication is key.
Make time for open and honest conversations with your partner about your values, beliefs, and expectations.
Establish boundaries and hold each other accountable.
Keep God at the Center
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs us to seek God first, and everything else will fall into place.
Make time for Bible studies, prayer, and worship together.
When you both share the same love and devotion for God, there is a higher chance that your relationship will be rooted in Him.
Maintain Sexual Purity
As Christians, we know that sex is a gift from God, but it is meant to be enjoyed within the confines of marriage.
Therefore, when dating, it is important to maintain sexual purity.
This means abstaining from sexual activities and anything that may lead to sexual temptation.
Honor God with your body by focusing on developing emotional and spiritual intimacy rather than physical intimacy.
Embrace Wisdom
It is easy to get carried away by love and attraction, but as Christians, we are called to exercise wisdom in every aspect of our lives.
Allow wise and godly counsel in your relationship.
Seek guidance from mentors, pastors, and other couples who have walked a similar journey.
Wisdom helps us make decisions that align with God’s will.
Set Boundaries and Stick to Them
The Bible teaches us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we should, therefore, honor God with our bodies.
One way to honor God while dating is to set healthy boundaries.
This means having an honest conversation with your partner about your physical and emotional boundaries.
As Christians, we should avoid any behavior that violates God’s commands, such as premarital sex.
We should also avoid anything that could trigger temptation or cause us to stumble in our faith.
Setting and sticking to these boundaries will not only honor God but also ensure that we are in a healthy relationship.
Pray Together
Prayer is an essential aspect of our Christian faith.
Therefore, as we date, we should strive to incorporate prayer in our relationship.
Praying together can help couples stay grounded in their faith, grow closer to each other, and seek God’s guidance in their relationship.
It is important to remember that prayer is not just for when things are going wrong.
Couples should make it a habit to pray together, even when things are going well.
Seek Wise Counsel
Proverbs 15:22 states, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.”
Seeking wise counsel from trusted friends, family members, or mentors can help us make better decisions in our relationship.
As Christians, we should seek counsel from people who share our faith and values.
We should also be open to receiving advice and guidance from our church leaders.
Seeking wise counsel can help us avoid making decisions that could harm our relationship and our faith.
Focus on Character over Chemistry
Chemistry and attraction can be an essential part of any relationship.
However, as Christians, we should focus more on a person’s character rather than their physical appearance or attraction.
Character is an essential aspect of any relationship, and it is what will sustain your relationship in the long run.
As you date, strive to discover more about your partner’s character, values, and beliefs.
This will help you determine whether they are the right person for you and if you share a common commitment to honor God.
Serve Together
As Christians, we are called to love and serve others.
One way to honor God while dating is to serve together.
Couples can volunteer at church, participate in mission trips, or serve in their local community.
Serving together can help couples grow in their faith, deepen their relationship, and give back to their community.
We are called to honor God in every aspect of our lives, including our dating relationships.
God is at the center of every Christian relationship, and any dating that does not honor God is not worth pursuing.
When we honor God in our dating relationships, He blesses us with a fulfilling and long-lasting love that brings us closer to Him.