What Are Christian Dating Values? pt. 1

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.”

Proverbs 12:22

“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”

Romans 12:10

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

Christian dating values are the principles and standards that guide a Christian's approach to dating and relationships. They are based on biblical teachings and personal convictions about what a godly relationship should look like. Let's dive into some examples:

Purity

This value emphasizes the importance of maintaining sexual purity until marriage. It is a commitment to honor God with our bodies, aligning actions with faith-based principles. Hebrews 13:4 tells us, "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." Upholding this Christian dating value means sticking to your guns when it comes to waiting for marriage before getting physical. It’s about showing respect for yourself, your future partner, and your faith — keeping your interactions pure until you say, "I do."

Honesty

Honesty is paramount in any relationship, but it takes on a deeper significance in Christian dating. Being truthful with yourself, God, and others about your faith and feelings forms the bedrock of a genuine connection. Proverbs 12:22 reminds us, "The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in those who are trustworthy." To value honesty in Christian dating means to be upfront about your intentions and transparent about your expectations and boundaries. It involves open communication and a commitment to integrity, ensuring your actions align with your words.

Respect

Treating those you date with kindness and dignity encapsulates the value of respect. It means considering the other's feelings, beliefs, and purity — behaving in a way that reflects the love of Christ. Romans 12:10 advises, "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." Approaching dating with respect means being rooted in empathy and understanding and treating the people you date as you would want to be treated. From how you communicate to how you handle disagreements, it's about showing genuine care and regard for the other person's perspective, putting their needs and well-being at the forefront of your actions.

Valuing purity, honesty, and respect in Christian dating keeps you rooted in your faith, guiding your actions and decisions in a way that aligns with biblical principles.