Get others involved · Love each other · Cheer each other up · Bear each other's burdens · Serve each other · Forgive each other · Tell each other the truth. Seek to involve others in your relationships. Tell your friends how you're doing. If your relationship is going through a rough patch, ask for a prayer. If you're struggling to keep God at the center, invite accountability.
The more you do these things, the stronger your love relationships will be. Christian dating in the modern era has become increasingly difficult and overwhelming, with changing cultural norms that profoundly affect the search for love, courtship and purity. For Christians trying to live by biblical standards, today's dating scene is even more complex, especially when it comes to finding like-minded believers who have similar relationship goals. That's why we wanted to share some tips for Christian dating to help you navigate these often confusing situations and scenarios.
In the nearly 10 years since I first wrote the Biblical Dating series on Boundless, other Boundless authors and I have addressed some very nuanced and specific questions about dating relationships. In recent months and years there has also been a stronger discussion about whether the Bible really has anything practical or specific to teach us about dating. So I thought it might be useful to commemorate the (almost) tenth anniversary of the Biblical Dating series by asking again: What exactly does the Bible say about dating?. Ultimately, you need people committed to God in your life to give you balance and perspective.
You need the opinion of people who are wiser than you. If you want your relationship to be healthy on every level, you can't date in a vacuum, without others. To begin with, it can eliminate some of the unnecessary pressure placed on a relationship. People often talk about wanting to find “the one”, and that just doesn't exist.
No person is going to complete you. Only Jesus can fulfill your deepest desires to be known, seen and loved for exactly who you are. Instead, you're looking for someone else who passionately pursues Jesus and who can help you become a better follower of Christ. However, you can and should set boundaries for healthy relationships.
Set limits on where you will draw the physical, spiritual, and emotional line. Your goal shouldn't be: “What can I do to not cross the line? Your goal should be: “How can this relationship bring the greatest honor to God? However, the thing about the line is that you'll want to make sure you're not jumping on your toes. Your goal shouldn't be: “What can I do to not cross the line? Your goal should be: “How can this relationship bring the greatest honor to God? When that's your goal, it's easy enough to set the right limits to protect yourself now from harm that could happen later. Instead of waiting for “the one”, ask God what your right next step is and do it. Wait for relationships to have a purpose living their purpose.
I know it's a cliché to say, “wait for God's time,” but there's some truth in that statement. Your purpose in life is not to get married. Instead, your purpose is to follow Jesus. The Holy Spirit can lead you to a long-term relationship, or it may not.
So let's do our best to be patient as we pursue our purpose, trusting that God will bring us the right person at the right time. I pray that this advice will help you in your quest for marriage and healthy relationships that glorify God. When both people in a relationship seek to love God with all their being, it strengthens their mutual relationship. Fortunately, there are some dating and relationship tips and solutions for navigating the modern Christian dating scene.
