Dating and relationships can be exciting, beautiful and sometimes quite confusing. How do you know if someone is the right person for you? How do you deal with boundaries and expectations? Fortunately, the Bible gives us valuable principles about love, relationships and building a strong foundation.
God is at the centre of a healthy relationship
A relationship is at its strongest when God comes first. Jesus says in Matthew 6:33:
‘But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you with it.’
This means that our relationship with God should always be our priority, even over a romantic relationship. When both partners are focused on God, the relationship grows in a healthy and strong way.
Love according to the Bible
The world often paints a picture of love that revolves around feelings, passion and romance. But the Bible teaches us that true love is more than that. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 states:
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
This means that love is not just something you feel, but more importantly something you do. It is about patience, kindness and selflessness.
Setting boundaries in a relationship
The Bible encourages us to see our bodies as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This means we should be careful with intimacy and physical boundaries. Sex is a wonderful gift from God, meant within marriage. By setting boundaries in dating, we protect not only our hearts but also our relationship with God.
Find a partner that shares your faith
In 2 Corinthians 6:14 Paul writes:
"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"
A shared faith helps build a relationship together on a strong and healthy foundation. When both partners share the same values and beliefs, it is easier to grow in faith together and serve God.
A strong friendship
A healthy relationship often starts with a strong friendship. Proverbs 17:17 says:
"Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble."
By developing a good friendship, you get to know each other on a deeper level. It helps you discover whether you really fit together before strong emotions and expectations come into play.
Trust God's timing
Sometimes it can feel like you are still waiting for ‘the right person’ while others around you are starting relationships or getting married. But God's timing is always perfect. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says:
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."
Trust that God knows what is good for you and that He will bring the right person into your path at the right time. Until then, you can focus on growing in your relationship with Him and enjoying the season you are in now.
Let God lead you in dating
Scripture may not give specific ‘rules’ about dating as we know it today, but it does offer plenty of wisdom on how to build a healthy and Christ-centered relationship. By praying, studying God's word and including Him in your choices, you will be able to date in a way that honours Him.
Want to remind yourself daily of God's plan for love and relationships? Take a look at our collection of Christian greeting cards and posters with Bible verses! 🫶🏽
