How to Follow Proper Christian Dating Behavior

Dating is a tough subject, but one that should definitely be talked about. Instead of looking at how everyone else in the world is dating, a Christian should be looking to God's Word and following His principles when establishing dating protocols. A Christian should set boundaries and follow them. Following God's guidelines will help ensure that people who are dating will be pleasing God and that they remain pure until their wedding day.

Things You'll Need

• A Bible
• Some Guidelines

Instructions

1. Know what God's word says about dating. The Bible may not use the words "dating," but it does refer to sexual purity, adultery, and fornication. By researching these topics, we can see how God feels about them. We know that God created man and woman so that they could become one (in marriage). They are to become one sexually, emotionally, and spiritually. This kind of connection is meant to only take place between one man and one woman and only after marriage.

2. Take in to consideration what God says about maintaining our Christian testimony. The Bible does talk about striving not to cause another Christian to stumble. Having sex outside of marriage is a sin; if you participate, you could also cause other Christians to do the same thing. We need to create guidelines that will keep our Christian image intact.

3. Create your own guidelines based on God's word. Guidelines could include: only dating in public settings, or only going on group dates. Never be alone with your date or enter a bedroom together.

4. Make sure your date is a born again Christian. Make sure they are active in a church, not just someone who goes on Sundays or on holidays. The Bible tells us not to be unequally yoked for a reason; God is trying to help us not be mean to us. Finding a date that has a genuine love for God will benefit you in many ways. If you are both committed Christians, you will be on the same spiritual page and your date will be less likely to pressure you into doing something you know you shouldn't be doing. You want your date to consider your purity and reputation as something to be honored.

5. Get an accountability partner. This should be someone from your church or bible study that you can call and be honest with. Choose an accountability partner that has the same values that you do. You are less likely to do wrong things when you know you must give an account for your actions.

6. Seek your Pastor's advice. If you find, after dating for a little while, that you might want to marry your date, you should get your Pastor involved. Consider premarital counseling so you can have a chance to talk about any issues you and your date might not have thought to discuss.

Tips & Warnings

• If at any time you feel that this person isn't right for you, you should break it off immediately. The biblical purpose for dating is to find a marriage partner. Don't stay in a relationship that is going no where.

• Do not get dating advice from gossip columns or television shows. They will not teach you God's ways or thoughts on the subject.