Dating is a common way people seek companionship, but the Bible provides principles for building godly relationships. Today, we’ll explore what scripture says about dating and how to honor God in our search for love.
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What Does The Bible Say About Dating
Genesis 2:18
“Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'”
This verse highlights the importance of companionship and finding a suitable partner. God created us to be in relationship with others, and dating can be a means to find a compatible and supportive partner.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
Dating with the intention of finding a spouse aligns with biblical principles. When we find a spouse, it is considered a blessing from the Lord, and it brings favor into our lives.
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 advises Christians to be cautious when pursuing relationships. It emphasizes the importance of partnering with someone who shares the same beliefs and values. Dating someone with a different spiritual foundation can lead to conflicts and challenges.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
When it comes to dating, it is crucial to trust in God’s guidance and submit to His will. By surrendering our desires and leaning on His understanding, He will direct us towards the right person and make our paths straight.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
These verses describe the attributes of love. When it comes to dating, we should seek a partner who demonstrates these characteristics, as they reflect a Christ-like love that is selfless, patient, and compassionate.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
While this verse specifically addresses married couples, it sets a standard for how dating relationships should be approached. Both partners should demonstrate sacrificial love, just as Christ selflessly loved the church.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of inner qualities over outward appearances. When dating, it is essential to prioritize a person’s character, spirituality, and reverence for the Lord rather than focusing solely on external attributes.
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.”
As young individuals, dating can present its own unique challenges. However, this verse encourages us to set an example for others, including in our dating relationships. We should strive to demonstrate maturity, love, faithfulness, and purity in our conduct.
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
While this verse primarily refers to marriage, it serves as a reminder of the importance of commitment and the seriousness of the union between two individuals. It encourages us to approach dating with the mindset that it has the potential to lead to a lifelong partnership.
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
When it comes to dating, it is crucial to protect our hearts and make wise decisions about who we allow into our lives. Our emotions and actions are influenced by the condition of our hearts, therefore we must be diligent in guarding it.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
When it comes to dating, it is important to resist conforming to societal standards and instead seek God’s will for our relationships. By renewing our minds and aligning our desires with His, we can discern the best path to take in our dating lives.
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
In dating, love should be the guiding force and foundation of our relationships. Love has the power to unite and harmonize other virtues such as kindness, forgiveness, and humility, creating a strong and healthy bond.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.”
This verse highlights the importance of sexual purity in dating relationships. God desires us to maintain a holy and honorable lifestyle, avoiding any form of sexual immorality and exercising self-control.
Song of Solomon 2:7
“Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.”
These words caution us against rushing into romantic relationships prematurely. Love should be awakened at the appropriate time and within the context of a committed and God-honoring relationship.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
In dating, it is valuable to find a partner who challenges and encourages us to grow spiritually. Just as iron sharpens iron, a healthy dating relationship should foster personal growth and help both individuals become better versions of themselves.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Dating should be approached with the mindset of bringing glory to God in all aspects of our lives. Our relationships should reflect His love, grace, and teachings, allowing us to glorify Him through our words and actions.
1 Peter 3:7
“Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
This verse provides guidance for men specifically within dating relationships, emphasizing the importance of respect, consideration, and equality. By treating our partners with kindness and understanding, we can cultivate a healthy and God-honoring relationship.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
Being in a dating relationship provides the opportunity for mutual support and encouragement. When two individuals come together, they can rely on one another, lifting each other up through life’s challenges and celebrating their successes together.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Dating can sometimes be discouraging and draining, but this verse reminds us to find hope and strength in the Lord. By placing our trust in Him, we can persevere through the trials of dating and find the energy to continue walking in His path.
Romans 13:8
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”
Love should be the driving force behind our actions and interactions in dating relationships. As we love one another, we fulfill God’s commandments and create an environment of harmony, understanding, and acceptance.
Matthew 5:37
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
In dating, it is important to be truthful and honest in our words and actions. This verse reminds us to avoid manipulation, deceit, or leading others on. Simple and genuine communication is vital in building healthy relationships.
Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
As we seek to delight in the Lord and prioritize our relationship with Him, we can trust that He will align the desires of our hearts with His will. In dating, we can have confidence that God will lead us towards the right person as we surrender our desires to Him.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
These verses describe the fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in our lives. In dating, we should strive to cultivate these qualities within ourselves and look for them in potential partners. A relationship that exhibits these fruits will be characterized by love, joy, peace, and other virtues.
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity and honoring the sanctity of marriage. In dating, it is crucial to respect boundaries and refrain from engaging in any form of sexual immorality, trusting in God’s plan for intimacy within the context of marriage.
1 John 4:18
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
This verse reminds us that love is not meant to be rooted in fear or insecurity. We should seek relationships founded on love that is pure, trusting, and free from fear. God’s perfect love casts out all fear, allowing us to experience the fullness of His love in our relationships.
When it comes to dating, it is essential for Christians to approach relationships with a biblical perspective. These 25 verses provide guidance on various aspects of dating, emphasizing the importance of finding a suitable partner, prioritizing love and respect, and seeking God’s guidance. They highlight the need for self-control, purity, and integrity within relationships, and caution against being unequally yoked with unbelievers. The verses also emphasize the importance of honoring the institution of marriage, guarding our hearts, and ultimately seeking to glorify God through our relationships. By meditating on and applying these verses, Christians can navigate the realm of dating with wisdom, discernment, and a commitment to God’s will.