Wisdom for DatingSýnishorn

Want to Date?

Hey, we just met, and this might seem a bit forward, but why do you want to date?

Why does our reason to date matter? Because our “why” for dating is like the maps app on our phone. It can tell us if we’re going in the right direction or veering off course. As with a map, there are a lot of directions we could go, but with something as potentially life-altering as dating, it helps to know where we’re headed.

So, what are your hopes for dating? Maybe you want company on your adventures, or you want to find the right person to marry? You might be trying to learn more about yourself and what you’re looking for in a partner.

Maybe you’re not sure why you want to date. That’s okay too. Before we dive into wisdom for dating, let’s take some pressure off.

Feeling the Pressure

Have you ever thought, All my friends are dating, so I should too. Or, At my age, I need to find someone fast! Or maybe, My friends/parents keep asking me when I’m going to propose, but I’m not sure if they’re the right person for me. You’re not alone.

For those facing pressure, the reason for dating might be to find someone to complete you or to fit into a certain life plan. Or it might be to make someone else happy or avoid conflict.

Those reasons for dating are common, but pressure or manipulation doesn’t reflect God’s heart for us. You won’t find a clear relationship timeline in the Bible. Maybe that’s because our worth doesn’t come from our relationship status. It comes from God who made you—and from the way He loves you.

So, before asking how to date, or who to date, let’s choose healthy reasons for why to date. Scripture invites us to find our worth, satisfaction, and joy in our relationship with God. When we do, the rest of our relationships can become less pressured, more whole, and more formed by Him. Instead of looking for a relationship to fulfill us or fix us, we can look for a partner in following God as He builds His kingdom through our lives.

Challenge: Reflect on why you want to date. Have you been feeling pressured in a negative way? If so, allow the truth of Scripture to fill you with confidence and purpose. If you need some help building confidence, check out this article.