Relationships can be exciting and complicated, but what does the Bible say about dating and having a girlfriend? While dating isn’t specifically mentioned, biblical principles offer guidance on love, purity, and respecting one another in romantic relationships. Let’s explore how to navigate dating in a way that honors God.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Bible Thumpers
What Does The Bible Say About Having A Girlfriend
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
This verse emphasizes the blessings and favor of the Lord that come with finding a wife. It highlights the importance of a committed relationship within the context of marriage.
While the Bible doesn’t specifically address having a girlfriend before marriage, it encourages individuals to seek a lifelong partnership founded on God’s principles. It reminds us that a godly relationship brings favor from the Lord and is a blessing.
1 Corinthians 7:2
“But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.”
This verse speaks about avoiding the temptation of sexual immorality by pursuing a committed marriage relationship. It recognizes the challenges that can arise from being in a relationship without the commitment of marriage.
While it doesn’t specifically address having a girlfriend, it encourages individuals to pursue marriage as a safeguard against the temptation of immorality. It highlights the importance of a committed, marital relationship in honoring God and maintaining purity.
Proverbs 31:10
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”
This verse praises the value and worth of a wife of noble character. It emphasizes that a virtuous and godly woman is a priceless treasure.
While it doesn’t directly mention having a girlfriend, it encourages individuals to seek a partner who exemplifies noble character and godliness. It reminds us to value qualities such as integrity, wisdom, and faithfulness in a potential spouse.
Genesis 2:24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
This verse highlights the divine institution of marriage and the unity that is created when a man and woman join together as husband and wife.
While it doesn’t explicitly address having a girlfriend, it teaches the importance of leaving one’s family and forming a new family unit through marriage. It encourages individuals to pursue relationships that prioritize commitment and becoming one with their spouse.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This verse instructs husbands to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her.
While it doesn’t directly mention having a girlfriend, it reminds individuals of the selfless love that should characterize a relationship. It encourages men to value and cherish their partners, mirroring Christ’s love for His people.
1 Timothy 5:2
“Treat younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.”
This verse encourages individuals to treat younger women with purity and respect, as if they were sisters.
While it doesn’t specifically address having a girlfriend, it promotes a mindset of purity, honoring boundaries, and treating others with respect. It reminds individuals to approach relationships in a way that maintains purity and reflects biblical principles.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This verse underscores the importance of seeking a wife who is wise and discerning, recognizing that she is a blessing from God.
While it doesn’t explicitly mention having a girlfriend, it encourages individuals to seek God’s guidance in their relationships and trust in His provision of a discerning and wise partner.
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 instructs husbands to be considerate of their wives, treating them with respect and understanding. It reminds them to honor their wives as co-heirs of God’s grace.
While it doesn’t directly address having a girlfriend, it sets a standard for how men should treat women in any romantic relationship. It calls for kindness, respect, and understanding in order to maintain a healthy and God-honoring partnership.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
This verse highlights the fleeting nature of outward charm and beauty but praises a woman who fears the Lord.
While it doesn’t specifically mention having a girlfriend, it encourages individuals to prioritize inner character and godliness over external appearance. It reminds us to seek a partner who values faith and reverence for God.
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
This verse declares the blessing of those who have a pure heart, noting that they will see God.
While it doesn’t directly address having a girlfriend, it emphasizes the importance of purity of heart in all aspects of life, including relationships. It calls individuals to pursue relationships with a heart that is pure and seeks to honor God.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
This verse instructs husbands to love their wives and avoid being harsh or unkind towards them.
While it doesn’t specifically mention having a girlfriend, it sets a standard for how men should treat women, promoting love, kindness, and gentleness in relationships. It reminds individuals to be considerate and loving, mirroring Christ’s love for the Church.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.”
This verse highlights the impact of a wise and diligent woman who builds up her household.
While it doesn’t directly address having a girlfriend, it emphasizes the significance of seeking a partner who contributes to a healthy and thriving relationship. It encourages individuals to value wisdom and diligence in their choice of a partner.
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
This verse urges individuals to flee from sexual immorality, highlighting the unique nature and consequences of this sin.
While it doesn’t specifically mention having a girlfriend, it encourages individuals to pursue purity and avoid any actions or behaviors that dishonor God. It reminds us to maintain sexual purity in all our relationships.
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 cautions against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, pointing out the incongruity between righteousness and wickedness.
While it doesn’t directly address having a girlfriend, it encourages individuals to be intentional about pursuing relationships with those who share their faith. It reminds believers of the importance of aligning values and beliefs in their romantic relationships.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
“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. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
These verses illustrate the benefits of companionship, highlighting how two individuals can support and strengthen one another.
While they don’t specifically mention having a girlfriend, they emphasize the value of shared experiences and mutual support in relationships. They remind individuals of the importance of having a partner who can provide emotional, physical, and spiritual support.
Ruth 1:16
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or 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.’
This verse showcases Ruth’s loyalty and commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi.
While it doesn’t directly address having a girlfriend, it exemplifies the importance of loyalty, commitment, and unity within a relationship. It emphasizes the significance of standing by one’s partner and embracing their values and beliefs.
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 reassures believers that perfect love casts out fear and that fear is not rooted in love.
While it doesn’t specifically mention having a girlfriend, it encourages individuals to cultivate relationships built on love, trust, and security. It reminds us that love should create an environment free from fear and insecurity.
Proverbs 3:3-4
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
These verses encourage individuals to embrace love and faithfulness, recognizing the favor and good reputation that come with these qualities.
While they don’t directly address having a girlfriend, they promote the importance of love and faithfulness in relationships. They remind individuals that these qualities are valued by both God and others.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse uses the analogy of two pieces of iron sharpening each other to illustrate the positive influence of companionship.
While it doesn’t specifically mention having a girlfriend, it highlights the value of being in a relationship that fosters personal growth and encourages spiritual development. It emphasizes the importance of having a partner who challenges and inspires us to become better individuals.
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 present a comprehensive description of love, highlighting its qualities and characteristics.
While they don’t directly address having a girlfriend, they provide a blueprint for how love should be expressed in relationships. They remind individuals to exhibit patience, kindness, selflessness, forgiveness, and devotion in their interactions with others.
Song of Solomon 8:7
“Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”
This verse asserts the enduring and priceless nature of love, using powerful imagery to emphasize its strength.
While it doesn’t specifically mention having a girlfriend, it conveys the idea that love is of utmost importance and worth pursuing. It reminds individuals that love is not easily extinguished or surpassed by worldly possessions.
Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
This verse encourages individuals to find their delight in the Lord, promising that He will fulfill the desires of their hearts.
While it doesn’t directly address having a girlfriend, it reminds believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else. It assures individuals that as they seek Him and align their desires with His will, He will grant them the desires of their hearts.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
This verse highlights the power and impact of kind and gracious words, describing them as sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
While it doesn’t specifically mention having a girlfriend, it encourages individuals to cultivate a relationship characterized by kindness, encouragement, and positive communication. It reminds us of the importance of using our words to uplift and bring healing to our loved ones.
Psalm 119:9
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”
This verse poses a question about maintaining purity and affirms that by living according to God’s Word, it is possible.
While it doesn’t directly address having a girlfriend, it underscores the importance of living a life that aligns with biblical principles and seeking God’s guidance in all relationships. It reminds us that following God’s Word is essential in maintaining purity and making wise choices.