What Are Christian Dating Values? pt. 2

Matthew 19:6

“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Philippians 4:6

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Philippians 2:3-4

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Let's continue with our examples of Christian dating values:

Faithfulness

Just as we are called to be faithful to God, we are also called to be faithful to our partners. This means being reliable, trustworthy, and consistent. Matthew 19:6 talks about marriage, saying, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” It’s good to remind yourself that your dating journey is leading to a covenant relationship. It’s never too early to practice faithfulness by being loyal to the person you’re dating exclusively. Keep your promises and be truthful in your words and actions. Cultivating these habits early sets the foundation for a strong, God-centered marriage.

Patience

In a world of instant gratification, patience is a virtue that stands out. In Christian dating, it's about trusting God's timing and not rushing into a relationship without His guidance. Just like it says in Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." To live out this value, bring your desires and worries to God, trusting He will guide you in His perfect timing. Have the patience to wait for the right person and the right time rather than forcing your own timeline. Seek God’s will in prayer, be open to His guidance, and find peace in the assurance that His plans for you are good.

Selflessness

This value is about putting the needs and interests of the people you date before your own. It's about loving as Christ loved us, sacrificially and unconditionally. Philippians 2:3-4 encourages us to "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." While it’s important to protect your heart while dating, it’s equally important to genuinely care for and prioritize the well-being of the person you’re dating. In all your words and actions, do what is best for them while staying true to your boundaries. You can do this by finding a balance between giving of yourself and not losing sight of your own needs and relationship with God.

Valuing faithfulness, patience, and selflessness in Christian dating helps you build a strong, God-centered relationship that can withstand challenges.