dating relationships
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
The Bible doesn't say anything about "dating" the way it plays out in our culture today because marriages were arranged back then. There wasn't a "dating" period. But Jesus did say a ton about relationships, which can be applied to dating relationships today. One principle that come to mind is found in Matthew 7:12. It says, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums the Law and the Prophets." God is saying in this verse treat your girlfriend or boyfriend the way you want to be treated. Another verse is 2 Corinthians 6:14, which says, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" God is saying here that it is good to date people who are not following Jesus. Because it's very difficult to go in the right direction morally when the other person doesn't have those same convictions.
So here is a relationship checklist for you to use before deciding to date someone.
The Bible doesn't say anything about "dating" the way it plays out in our culture today because marriages were arranged back then. There wasn't a "dating" period. But Jesus did say a ton about relationships, which can be applied to dating relationships today. One principle that come to mind is found in Matthew 7:12. It says, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums the Law and the Prophets." God is saying in this verse treat your girlfriend or boyfriend the way you want to be treated. Another verse is 2 Corinthians 6:14, which says, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" God is saying here that it is good to date people who are not following Jesus. Because it's very difficult to go in the right direction morally when the other person doesn't have those same convictions.
So here is a relationship checklist for you to use before deciding to date someone.
- Christ must be first in both lives. It's easier to keep your standard and boundaries when your moral compass are the same.
- Your relationships should be making you a better person and even strengthening your walk with Jesus. The people in your life should be adding to it and not negatively taking away from it.
- Set standards that are a reflection of how God sees and loves you. God sees you as worth dying for! Don't insult what He did on the cross by letting someone treat you with anything less than the respect you deserve.
- Set boundaries and talk honestly, openly and frequently about them. Those who fail to set boundaries fail to understand that the consequences of their actions can be life changing for those worse.
- Let those you respect (ie: parents, pastor, mentor, etc) weigh in on your decision. I know it's super unpopular, but you won't regret it.