Dating an unbeliever can test a Christian’s faith and values. The Bible offers clear guidance on the importance of shared beliefs in relationships. Today, we’ll explore what scripture says about choosing a partner who shares your faith.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Dating A Muslim
What Does The Bible Say About Dating An Unbeliever
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
This verse emphasizes the importance of not entering into a romantic relationship with an unbeliever. It highlights the significant differences between those who follow Christ and those who do not. Being yoked together with unbelievers can lead to conflict and compromise of one’s faith.
It is essential for believers to seek God’s guidance and align themselves with someone who shares their faith, values, and goals. By doing so, they can strengthen their relationship with God and grow together spiritually.
1 Corinthians 7:39
“A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.”
This verse speaks specifically to widows but also carries a broader principle that applies to all believers. It emphasizes the importance of marrying someone who belongs to the Lord. By marrying a fellow believer, one can establish a strong foundation built on shared faith and values.
Marriage is a sacred covenant, and being unequally yoked can lead to spiritual conflicts and hinder the spiritual growth of both partners. Therefore, it is crucial to seek God’s guidance and choose a partner who shares a deep commitment to the Lord.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This proverb advises believers to surround themselves with wise and godly people. The company we keep shapes our character and influences our decisions. Dating an unbeliever can expose us to their mindset, beliefs, and behaviors that may be contrary to God’s word.
God desires us to grow in wisdom and righteousness, and being in a relationship with an unbeliever may hinder that growth. Therefore, it is important to seek relationships that encourage and strengthen our faith, rather than compromise it.
1 Corinthians 7:14
“For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.”
This verse addresses the situation in which a believer is already married to an unbeliever. It acknowledges that through the believing spouse’s faith, the unbelieving spouse and their children are set apart and given the opportunity to experience the influence of God’s grace.
However, this verse does not encourage believers to pursue relationships with unbelievers. Rather, it highlights the potential impact our faith can have on our families when we are already in such a situation.
1 Corinthians 7:16
“How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?”
In the context of a mixed-faith marriage, this verse encourages spouses to recognize that their faith may have a redemptive impact on their unbelieving partner. It acknowledges the uncertainty of the outcome but emphasizes the possibility of their spouse coming to faith in Christ through their witness and testimony.
While this verse holds hope for those already in a mixed-faith marriage, it should not be seen as an encouragement to enter into such a relationship knowingly. It is always wise and preferable to pursue relationships with those who already share and prioritize their relationship with Jesus.
Ezra 10:11
“Now honor the Lord, the God of your ancestors, and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples around you and from your foreign wives.”
In the Old Testament, we see an example where the Israelites were commanded to separate themselves from their foreign wives. This passage reminds believers of the importance of putting God’s will and commands first, even if it means ending relationships that are not in alignment with His word.
While God’s grace covers our mistakes, it is essential to prioritize obedience in our relationships. Dating an unbeliever can lead to compromising our faith and God’s commands, and sometimes separation becomes necessary to honor God.
1 Kings 11:4-6
“As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been. He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites. So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord; he did not follow the Lord completely, as David his father had done.”
This passage serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences that can arise from being in a relationship with someone who does not share our faith. King Solomon, known for his wisdom, allowed his foreign wives to lead him astray from wholehearted devotion to God, resulting in great consequences.
We should learn from Solomon’s mistake and be cautious about who we enter into relationships with. Our relationships should nurture and strengthen our faith, rather than distract us from following the Lord wholeheartedly.
Matthew 10:37
“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”
This verse reminds us of the paramount importance of our relationship with Jesus. It teaches us that our commitment to Christ should surpass our love and loyalty to anyone else, including our family.
When considering a romantic relationship, we must remember that our love for God should be our highest priority. Being united with an unbeliever could potentially create conflicts and dilemmas where we are torn between our love for God and our love for our partner.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
This verse is particularly relevant to young believers who may face pressure or temptation to enter into relationships with unbelievers. It emphasizes the importance of setting a godly example in all areas of life, including relationships.
By being intentional about dating someone who shares our faith, we can demonstrate to other believers the value of putting God first and seeking His guidance when it comes to romantic relationships.
Proverbs 19:2
“Desire without knowledge is not good—how much more will hasty feet miss the way!”
This proverb cautions against acting on desire without discernment or wisdom. When it comes to relationships, it is important to exercise patience and seek God’s guidance rather than rushing into a relationship without considering the potential consequences.
Desiring a relationship with an unbeliever may seem tempting, but it lacks the wisdom and knowledge of acknowledging the potential challenges and conflicts that can arise due to differing beliefs and values.
James 4:4
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
In the context of relationships with unbelievers, this verse highlights the spiritual implications of being closely associated with the values and priorities of the world. It warns against compromising our faith by forming intimate connections with those who do not honor God.
While it is important to be a light in the world and share the gospel, we must be cautious about the depth of our relationships and the influence they have on our spiritual walk.
Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.””
Though not directly addressing relationships with unbelievers, this passage displays Ruth’s unwavering commitment to her mother-in-law Naomi and her faithfulness to embrace the God of Israel as her own. It serves as an example of loyalty and dedication that believers should seek in relationships.
While it is essential to prioritize relationships with fellow believers, this passage reminds us of the transformative power of God’s love and redemption in the lives of individuals.
1 John 2:15
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.”
This verse reminds believers to be cautious about their affections and priorities. Choosing to enter into a relationship with an unbeliever may lead to a temptation to compromise our faith and become entangled with worldly values and desires.
As followers of Christ, our greatest love and devotion should be directed towards God. This necessitates choosing to pursue relationships that align with our faith and help us grow in our relationship with Him.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
This verse speaks to the importance of focusing on inner qualities and godliness rather than being swayed by outward appearances or charm. When seeking a relationship, believers are encouraged to prioritize finding a partner who fears the Lord and lives a life of faith.
A person’s relationship with God should be the foundation of their character, determining their values and guiding their actions. By choosing a partner who fears the Lord, believers can establish a relationship built on shared faith, which is of lasting value.
Proverbs 12:26
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
While this proverb primarily applies to friendships, it underscores the importance of choosing our relationships wisely. In the context of romantic relationships, the principle remains applicable. Just as believers are advised to select friends who align with their faith, they should also be intentional about entering into relationships with fellow believers.
Our relationships shape us, influence our choices, and impact our spiritual growth. Therefore, it is crucial to seek partners who share our faith and actively pursue God’s will in their lives.
1 Peter 3:1
“Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives.”
In the context of mixed-faith marriages, this verse speaks to the power of a godly example in influencing an unbelieving spouse. Sometimes, through the Christ-like behavior and faithfulness of a believing spouse, the unbelieving partner can be drawn to faith in God.
However, this verse should not be understood as an endorsement to intentionally enter into relationships with unbelievers. Rather, it offers encouragement and hope to those who find themselves in such marriages.
Proverbs 22:24-25
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”
While this proverb primarily applies to friendships, it also has implications for romantic relationships. Choosing to enter into a relationship with an unbeliever who does not share our values can potentially expose us to their habits, attitudes, and behaviors that may be contrary to our faith.
As believers, we should seek relationships that edify and encourage us in our walk with Christ, rather than leading us down paths that can ensnare us.
Proverbs 14:7
“Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”
This verse warns against associating with foolish individuals. In the context of relationships, entering into a romantic partnership with an unbeliever can expose us to their perspectives and beliefs, which may lack the wisdom and knowledge that comes from knowing and following God.
Avoiding relationships with unbelievers allows us to cultivate relationships that are centered on Christ, where knowledge and wisdom can be shared and nurtured.
Philippians 2:2-3
“…then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
This passage exhorts believers to pursue unity, selflessness, and humility in their relationships. By being like-minded and having the same love for Christ, believers can nurture relationships that prioritize the well-being and growth of both individuals.
When considering romantic relationships, it is crucial to seek a partner who shares our love for Christ and is willing to prioritize the relationship with God above personal desires and ambitions.
Colossians 2:8
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
As believers, we are encouraged to guard against being influenced by deceptive philosophies and worldly ideologies. This includes being cautious about entering into relationships that are not centered on Christ.
By seeking a partner who shares our faith and values, we can minimize the risk of adopting beliefs or practices that contradict God’s truth and hinder our spiritual growth.
2 Timothy 2:22
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
This verse encourages believers to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace in the company of others who also call on the Lord. When it comes to romantic relationships, it is important to seek partners who prioritize these qualities and serve as companions in pursuing godliness.
Having a partner who shares our faith and values can provide mutual support, encouragement, and accountability as we strive to live a life that honors God.