Navigating Christian Dating

Psalm 119:105

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Have you ever found yourself in the dating pool, bobbing around, wondering how to navigate the waters of romance while keeping your faith in sight? Fortunately, the Bible is a lamp for your feet and a light on your path, providing guidance for your life, including your dating journey.

One way to navigate the waters of dating in a Christ-like way is to know and understand your Christian dating values. They can serve as your compass in this often confusing journey, guiding you in making decisions that align with your faith.

Whether you're new to the dating scene or have been pursuing a relationship for a while, you've probably noticed that the world's values often clash with Christian ones. Society tends to champion ideals starkly different from those we uphold in our faith.

One of the most glaring differences lies in the perception of what relationships are for. The secular view emphasizes personal satisfaction and happiness as the ultimate goals. While there is nothing wrong with seeking happiness, this perspective can lead to a self-centered approach to dating, where the focus is on what one can receive rather than give. In contrast, Christian dating values emphasize serving one another in love, reflecting Christ's selfless love for us.

Another worldly value is compatibility based on physical attraction and material success. While attraction and financial stability are not inherently negative, they can become problematic when placed above spiritual and emotional connection. The world often tells us that a successful relationship is built on physical allure and shared interests, but from a Christian perspective, the foundation should be a mutual faith in God and shared values.

There's also an underlying expectation that relationships are easily disposable if they do not immediately meet our needs. This contrasts sharply with the Christian belief in the sanctity and commitment of relationships, viewing them as covenants to be entered into with seriousness and thoughtfulness.

And finally, the world promotes a casual approach to intimacy, suggesting that sexual relationships outside of marriage are not only acceptable but expected. This is very different from the Christian value of abstinence until marriage, honoring God's design for intimacy within the sacred bounds of a marital relationship.

Navigating dating as a Christian in a world with such differing values is undoubtedly challenging. However, by anchoring in God's truth and seeking His direction, you can form fulfilling relationships that honor God with purity, commitment, and love. One way to do this is to determine your Christian dating values and hold true to them in a world that frequently challenges and contradicts them.