Dating is such a popular term in the modern world that it seems like everyone is doing it.
From a young age, we’re taught to look for our soulmates and spend our lives with them.
But is this God’s plan for us, or are we stepping outside of His divine will when we engage in premarital relationships?
As Christians, we believe that the Bible should be the basis for our beliefs and actions. So, let’s take a closer look at what God’s Word says about dating before marriage.
The Bible is not a rulebook on dating
Many Christians feel that the Bible provides a set of rules or guidelines for dating before marriage.
However, this is not entirely accurate.
The Bible does give us general principles that we can apply to our relationships, but it doesn’t give an explicit answer to this question.
The Bible is a book about God and His relationship with humanity, not a dating manual.
So, it’s essential to understand that while we can apply principles from the Bible to our lives, it’s not always possible to find an exact answer to every question we may have.
The Bible emphasizes purity in relationships
One of the most crucial principles that the Bible tells us about relationships is purity.
God commands us to remain pure in both our physical and emotional relationships until we enter into a marriage covenant.
In 1 Thessalonians 4:3, the Bible specifically tells us, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.”
The Bible encourages wise choices in relationships
While the Bible doesn’t provide a specific rulebook for dating before marriage, it does encourage us to make wise choices in our relationships.
Proverbs 4:23 advises us to “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
As Christians, we should approach our relationships with intentionality, seeking God’s guidance every step of the way.
We must be wise in who we choose to pursue and how we pursue them, avoiding unhealthy relationships that could lead us away from God’s will.
The Bible calls us to put God first in all things
The Bible calls us to put God first in all areas of our lives, including our relationships.
Matthew 6:33 tells us, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
When we approach our relationships with God as our guide and priority, we can trust that He will lead us toward His divine will.
Seeking wise counsel
The Bible encourages us to seek wise counsel in all areas of our lives.
Before getting into a relationship, we need to seek the advice of trusted Christian friends, mentors, and spiritual leaders.
Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
Seeking wise counsel means that we are open to correction and guidance, which is crucial in building healthy and Godly relationships.
Avoiding sexual immorality
The Bible teaches us to flee from sexual immorality.
1 Corinthians 6:18 says, “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”
Dating before marriage can lead to sexual temptation and compromise.
As Christians, we need to resist the temptation to engage in sexual activity before marriage.
Instead, we should strive to glorify God in all our relationships.
Marriage is a sacred covenant
The Bible emphasizes the importance of marriage as a sacred covenant between a man and woman.
Ephesians 5:31-32 says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
Marriage is a Godly institution that should not be taken lightly.
While dating can be a way to get to know someone before marriage, we need to make sure that our intentions are pure and that we are seeking a lifelong commitment to our partner.
Glorifying God in everything we do
Lastly, we should remember that our ultimate goal as Christians is to glorify God in all that we do.
Whether we choose to date before marriage or not, we should seek to honor God in our relationships.
Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Dating should not be a way to satisfy our own desires or needs, but rather a way to honor God and love our neighbor as ourselves.
The Bible doesn’t give a clear yes or no answer to whether we should date before marriage.
However, as Christians, we can approach our relationships with a biblical perspective, emphasizing purity, wise choices, and putting God first.
It’s important to remember that each person’s story is unique, and we must seek God’s guidance in our individual journeys.
Let’s trust in God’s faithfulness and love as we navigate the complexities of relationships and seek first His kingdom in all things.