Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33 NLT
Godly Dating Through a Biblical Lens
Dating is an incredibly vulnerable thing. When we date, we open up our hearts to someone and invite that person to know us on a deeper level than a coworker or a superficial acquaintance would.
As Christians, we are called to be set apart by God for His work. The presence of the Holy Spirit in us and the call of Christ on our lives unites all believers. We have a common purpose, morality, purity, and worldview that draw us together in Jesus Christ. This is why it's extremely important to make sure we're choosing partners who believe in and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Godly Standards in Dating
We see God's design for marriage in the very first pages of His Word. Genesis 2:21-24 says,
So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man. “At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’” This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.
This is what God wants for us, and it's why He commands that we only be in a romantic relationship with another believer of the opposite sex (2 Corinthians 6:14). He wants to protect us as much as possible from hurt, sexual sin, abuse, and pain. His desire is for each one of His children to have a deep, meaningful, loving relationship that places Him at the center and models His heart to the rest of the world.
So even if it seems harmless in the moment, dating an unbeliever can have lasting negative effects on your spiritual, mental, and emotional health. If this is something you struggle with, or a pattern you find yourself repeating, surrender it to the Lord. Confess your desires to Him—even if, right now, they don't align with His Word. Pray and ask Him to begin renewing your heart. You don't need to feel any shame for past relationships or past decisions you've made. God knows your heart, He loves you, and He wants His best for you.
Ask Yourself the Following Questions
Here are some great assessing questions to ask yourself about any potential romantic partner:
If I love God, am I willing to obey Him in my relationship choices?
Does this person just say they believe in God, or do they actually follow Jesus wholeheartedly, without me having to push them?
Does this person honor my desire to follow Jesus? Do they encourage me in Him?
Does this person honor my physical, sexual, and emotional boundaries in Christ?
Do I see this person involved in church, Bible study, and service to others?
Is there fruit of God’s changing work in this person's life?
PRAYER: Father, help me to trust in You more than my desires and emotions. Be my guide. Keep me safe. Help me securely establish my relationships in You and according to Your good will. I submit myself to You and You alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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