What Does the Bible Say About Dating? God’s Plan for Relationships

Overview

There are plenty of teachings in the Bible about marriage and family life. But what about dating? The Bible does not specifically mention dating, but it provides principles for relationships, emphasizing love, purity, and wisdom.

It encourages seeking God first (Matthew 6:33), choosing a partner who shares the same faith (2 Corinthians 6:14), and maintaining sexual purity (1 Corinthians 6:18). Love should be patient, kind, and selfless (1 Corinthians 13:4-5), and individuals are advised to guard their hearts (Proverbs 4:23) and seek wise counsel (Proverbs 11:14). Ultimately, relationships should be approached with the goal of marriage in mind (Proverbs 18:22), aligning with God’s design for companionship and commitment.

But let’s look a bit closer at what the Bible says about a few specific situations. What Does the Bible Say About Dating Before Marriage What Does the Bible Say About Living Together Before Marriage? What Does the Bible Say About Dating Someone With a Child?

Going Deeper

What Does the Bible Say About Dating as a Teenager? What Does the Bible Say About Dating After Divorce? What Does the Bible Say About Dating Multiple People?

What Does the Bible Say About Interracial Dating? What Does the Bible Say About Dating a Non-Believer The Bible does not explicitly forbid dating a non-believer, but it strongly advises against marriage between a believer and a non-believer (1 Corinthians 7:39, 2 Corinthians 6:14). Since dating, when approached biblically, is meant to lead to marriage, pursuing a relationship with an unbeliever is considered unwise and potentially disobedient.

The core issue lies in the fundamental spiritual differences between a Christian and a non-Christian. Believers are called to live by God’s truth, serve Him, and pursue holiness, while non-believers have different priorities and worldviews (2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 8:6-9). The Bible warns against being “unequally yoked” (2 Corinthians 6:14) because such relationships can lead to spiritual friction, compromise, and struggles in faith.

Key Takeaways

Many Christians justify dating non-believers by hoping to evangelize their partner, but this approach risks emotional attachment influencing faith decisions rather than genuine conviction. While Scripture encourages believers to share their faith (Matthew 28:19-20), it does not endorse romantic relationships as a means of evangelism. Trusting God’s wisdom, believers are called to honor Him in relationships, seeking a partner who shares their faith and commitment to Christ.

Although the fear of loneliness or missing out on love can be real, God promises to guide and provide for those who trust Him (Psalm 84:11). What Does the Bible Say About Dating Before Marriage The Bible only recognizes three types of romantic relationships: singleness, engagement (betrothal), and marriage. Dating, as we know it today, is not mentioned in Scripture.

The closest reference is in John 4:18, where Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that the man she was with was not her husband, highlighting that she was in a relationship outside of marriage. Some argue that dating wasn’t common in biblical times, but God's standards for relationships remain the same. The Bible teaches us how to honor our bodies, respect others, and avoid sexual immorality.

Practical Application

Throughout Scripture, God emphasizes covenant relationships—formal, lifelong commitments. He acknowledges and blesses marriage (Hebrews 13:4), but temporary boyfriend-girlfriend relationships have no biblical foundation. Any relationship involving sex outside of marriage is considered dishonorable and will be judged by God.

Many people today date for fun, out of boredom, to satisfy personal desires, or to seek validation. Unfortunately, many do not date with the goal of marriage in mind. For some, dating has become a cycle of trying different partners without true commitment.

This mindset does not align with God’s nature, as He values covenant and faithfulness. He does not treat us as disposable, so we should not treat relationships that way. God desires meaningful, committed relationships that reflect His love and faithfulness, making marriage the only romantic relationship He fully honors.

Reflection

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