Christian Dating Advice

Bill Brinkworth

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” II Cor. 6:14

Dating should be to find the right mate. Finding the “right one” is one of the most important decisions one will make. Too many have madewrong choices that they have later regretted.

Here is some advice (some based on biblical principles; others by observation) for helping a Christian to find the right mate:

Pray for the right mate! I know of young people that started praying for the right life partner in their early teen years.
Grow yourself! Some seek a mate when they can barely take care of themselves, let alone meet the needs of another!
Be patient! An opportunity for a date does not necessarily mean it is God’s will! If you are praying about the right mate, God knows about the need. He will provide. You or your future spouse may not be ready yet; so do not rush God’s working in the situation.
Seek only a Christian (II Cor. 6:14)!
Seek a Christian that is as spiritually mature, or more so, than you are. A couple with one that has been saved for a long time, and one that has just gotten saved, may have problems; as the young Christian may need to mature spiritually.
Seek one that you can look up to, not one that you have to “fix” to be happy with.
Seek one in the right places. A bar, nightclub, or other worldly place is not a place one usually finds a strong Christian. A strong Christian will be where strong Christians hangout: church, serving the Lord in a ministry, helping others, etc.
Seek one that you like. Best friends make the best marriage partners.
Seek one for their character, moral values, and closeness to the Lord. Marrying a person for their looks may lead to disappointment after age changes one’s appearance.
Seek God’s will and way in the search!
Do not necessarily seek a mate that is just like you. I have observed, and experienced, some of the best marriages are of two that are not the same. In areas where one is weak, the other is strong, and vice versa. The two “halves” make a perfect whole that only God can put together.

This article was featured in The Bible View 515.

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