Christian Dating: Choosing Purposeful Dating

Dating can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, but as a Christian, it's essential to approach it with intentionality and a clear understanding of its purpose. Dating should not simply be a casual pastime or a way to pass the time; rather, it should be a deliberate and purposeful pursuit that leads to marriage- duh!

The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, created by God. In Genesis 2:24, it says, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." This verse shows us that marriage is a union that requires commitment, sacrifice, and a deep sense of connection.

In 1 Corinthians 7:1-2, Paul urges Christians to pursue marriage, stating that "it is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman. But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband." This passage highlights the importance of marriage as a safeguard against sexual immorality, as well as a way to fulfill our God-given desire for intimacy and companionship.

In today's culture, there is a growing trend towards casual dating and cohabitation, with many people opting to delay marriage. While there is nothing wrong with choosing to remain single or delaying marriage for a season, it's important for Christians to recognize the value and significance of marriage as a God-ordained institution.

One of the reasons why marriage is becoming less valued in our culture is the prevalence of a "me-first" mentality. Many people view marriage as an outdated institution that restricts their personal freedom and limits their ability to pursue their own desires and goals. In contrast, the Bible teaches that marriage is a selfless commitment to another person, characterized by sacrifice and service.

Additionally, rather than seeking a lifelong partner, many people choose to enter into short-term relationships based on physical attraction or emotional connection, without any long-term commitment. While these relationships may provide temporary pleasure or companionship, they lack the depth and permanence of a covenantal marriage relationship.

As Christians, we must resist the cultural pressures that devalue marriage and instead embrace the biblical vision of marriage. This means prioritizing commitment, sacrifice, and service in our relationships and seeking to honor God in all that we do. When it comes to dating, the Bible doesn't provide a step-by-step guide or a set of rules to follow. However, it does offer some principles that can help guide us as we navigate the dating world.

Firstly, Christians should approach dating with the goal of finding a lifelong partner. In Proverbs 18:22, it says, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord." This verse emphasizes that finding a spouse is not just a personal desire but also a way to receive favor from God.

Secondly, Christians should seek to honor God in their relationships. This means avoiding sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5), being honest and truthful with one another (Ephesians 4:25), and treating each other with respect and dignity (1 Peter 3:7).

Finally, Christians should seek wise counsel and guidance from trusted mentors and spiritual leaders. Proverbs 11:14 says, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors, there is safety." Seeking the wisdom and guidance of others can help us avoid pitfalls and make wise decisions in our relationships.

In conclusion, while our culture may be moving away from the value of marriage, as Christians, we must embrace the selfless commitment and sacrifice that marriage requires. In doing so, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from a lifelong partnership with our spouse, and we can bear witness to the world of the beauty and significance of marriage as God intended it.

xo, Taira!