As Christians, we are called to live a life that is pleasing to God and to honor him in all that we do.
Dating is no exception to this standard and the question of whether or not to kiss while dating is one that has sparked much debate among Christians.
Some argue that it is perfectly acceptable to kiss while dating, while others believe that physical affection should be reserved for marriage.
So where does the truth lie? Let’s explore this topic from a biblical perspective and see what God has to say about it.
The Bible does not address kissing directly
First and foremost, it is important to recognize that the Bible does not specifically address the issue of kissing while dating.
This leaves room for interpretation and personal convictions, but it is always important to consider what God’s word has to say about physical affection.
One passage that is often referenced in this discussion is 1 Corinthians 7:1-2, which states, “Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman. But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.
This passage emphasizes the importance of sexual purity and reserving physical intimacy for marriage.
Kissing can lead to physical affection
While kissing is not necessarily sexual in nature, it can often lead to more intense forms of physical affection.
This is where personal convictions come into play. Some individuals may feel that kissing is harmless and is a natural way to express affection towards their partner, while others may feel that it is a slippery slope toward sexual sin.
It is important to prayerfully consider what God is calling you to do in your own dating relationships and to have open and honest communication with your partner about physical boundaries.
The Bible warns against such behaviors in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, “Flee from sexual immorality… you are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Furthermore, some Christians believe that physical touch, including kissing, should be reserved for marriage, as it is the symbol of the union of two souls and bodies.
This idea is supported by Genesis 2:24, which states that “a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
Context of the relationship
Another factor to consider is the context of the relationship.
Are you dating with the intention of marriage, or are you simply dating for fun?
If you are dating with the intention of marriage, it is wise to be cautious with physical affection, as it can cloud judgment and lead to making decisions based on emotions rather than logic.
It is also important to consider how physical affection may affect your spiritual and emotional connection with your partner.
Is your relationship centered on Christ, or is it centered on physical attraction?
So, how do you know whether or not it’s okay to kiss while dating?
Well, as with everything in your life, the ultimate answer should come from God and his word.
Spend time in prayer and reflection, and seek the counsel of trusted mentors and spiritual leaders.
Remember that your relationship with God should always come first and that anything that causes you to stumble or stray away from him should be avoided.
Additionally, be honest with yourself and your partner about your boundaries and expectations, and have open communication about physical touch before any situation arises.
When it comes down to it, there is no easy answer to the question of whether or not Christians should kiss while dating.
It’s a personal decision that should be made with careful consideration, prayer, and discernment, taking into account both your faith and your unique relationship with your partner.
Remember that at the end of the day, your relationship with God should always come first and that anything you do in your dating life should be done with the intention of honoring and glorifying Him.
Kissing is really up to you
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to kiss while dating should be based on personal convictions and a desire to honor God in all that we do.
It is important to remember that physical affection is not inherently sinful, but it can be a slippery slope toward sexual sin if not approached with caution.
As Christians, our goal should be to glorify God in our dating relationships and to honor the other person as a child of God.
