How to Set Boundaries in Christian DatingSample

Essential Rules for a Relationship

Before we go into how to set up boundaries in a relationship, we must first establish essential rules for a Christian relationship to work. Everyone wants to have a blessed relationship, but few want to do God’s will and practice the correct principles to be happy in it. Therefore, I want to share with you some essential rules for a Christian relationship to work:

• Christian dating must have purpose.

Our life is driven by purpose. If Christian dating is not aimed at marriage, it loses its meaning and can make the couple move away from God, as neither will have the motivation to resist adversity and temptations. I’m not saying that you should keep talking about marriage at the beginning of the relationship, because that can scare you. Many people are so afraid of making a mistake that they hint all the time about the “Big Day” before even knowing if the relationship will work out. If you are like that, I advise you to enjoy each phase and trust that God will reveal His will as you get to know each other.

• Christian dating must have responsibility.

When I started my walk with Jesus, I heard the church brothers saying that the boy should go to the girl’s house to ask her parents for permission to date. At first I found it strange, because I didn’t have this habit, but today I see that this attitude is important, because it demonstrates responsibility. Following the guidelines of parents and leaders strengthens this principle, and the more responsibility you have with the other and mainly, with yourself, the more solid and mature the relationship will be. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

• Christian dating must have patience.

Through dating we can exercise patience. If there is one thing every couple needs, it’s that, because patience helps us to live God’s best at the right time. How many couples had everything to work out, but skipped the friendship stage, and prioritized kisses and hugs? If you are patient in your courtship, you will certainly reap precious fruits in your marriage.

I remember that, even before dating, my wife and I were talking on the phone and on dates for a few months, before we had our first kiss. It was a difficult experience, because I wasn’t patient at all, but at the same time it was wonderful, because I got to know her better and our love grew naturally.

• Christian dating must have holiness.

A couple that lives without holiness is out of God’s plan, because without holiness we spoil everything. Many enter into a relationship guided by God, they do everything correctly—they pray, they fast, but by letting sin in, the feelings of peace and joy give way to jealousy, distrust and fights. We need to know that when we choose sin, God turns away. He is most interested in seeing your relationship work out, so evaluate your purposes, and check if you are being responsible and if there is patience and holiness in your dating. If these principles are practiced, you are well on your way to a blessed marriage! (Leviticus 19:2)