When we consider the teaching of the Bible, the phrase “intentional dating” doesn’t often come to mind. Instead, we think of loving thy neighbor, honoring thy mother and father, and the many miracles Jesus produced. However, the Bible is full of great Christian dating advice and direction on faith-based relationships. One of the most significant teachings regards dating with purpose, building a lasting relationship that serves God and celebrates his love.
The book of Genesis tells the most famous love story of all time. Adam and Eve, the parents of the human race and the original human couple, are placed in the Garden of Eden, forbidden to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Food and Evil. A serpent tempts Eve to try the forbidden fruit; in turn, she convinces Adam to eat some as well. God imposes consequences on them both, expelling them from the Garden and introducing them to the hardships of the world. How, then, can men and women today move forward with integrity in faith-based relationships when even those in the first divine light could not?
At Christian Mingle, we’ve helped millions of couples find equally yoked love. We bring together children of Christ, allowing them to build meaningful connections and deep bonds in a God-centered relationship. Intentional dating plays a large role in this, and we’re here to provide Christian dating advice along the way.
Keep reading to learn more about the power of intentional dating and how it can alter your divine path for good. We’ll discuss why intentional dating matters, provide steps to date with purpose, serve God, and help you navigate the challenges along the way.
Faith and Intentional Dating
“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him… That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” –Genesis 2:18,24.
God created the relationship between man and woman to complement each other. From the beginning of time, men and women were designed to work together to achieve a greater good. This has always been the plan. Therefore, we must look at the act of dating in a positive light–never sinful or selfish but rather fulfilling God’s ultimate plan.
However, it’s important to recognize that God’s master vision is always for marriage to be the end result. Here’s where intentional dating with purpose takes the stage. Dating is never “just for fun,” though it is a fun process, and it’s okay (and encouraged!) to have fun with your partner. The goal is for you to learn and grow alongside your partner, allowing you to know if they’re fit to be your future spouse.
Steps to Date with Purpose: The Best Christian Dating Advice
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” –Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.
The first and most crucial step in building a faith-based relationship is always to keep God at the center. All relationships should focus on fulfilling God’s plan, spreading his word, and celebrating his love. As with all things, you should consider where and how you can best be of help to others. This helps build a relationship with a solid foundation.
When considering Christian dating advice, you must keep God’s teachings at the forefront of your mind. Apply the values and morals you do in other areas to explore the romantic world with your partner.
The cornerstones of Christian dating advice include:
Honesty. Be clear about your intentions, feelings, and expectations. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Present yourself as truthfully as possible at all times. Never lie, manipulate, or play games.
Respect. The Bible states that you should write love and faithfulness in your heart. Be devoted in love and honor each other above yourselves.
Integrity. God blesses those who live with integrity. Those who act with integrity are sure to have a blessed life. Uphold a level of moral righteousness, and you shall see rewards.
Patience. Patience is a virtue that endures trials, works toward shared goals, and waits for God’s promises to be fulfilled. This means trusting God’s timing, never rushing a relationship, and allowing both partners to feel safe and secure.
When you employ these teachings in your romantic life, intentional dating becomes easy. Best of all, it’s rewarding. God rewards good partners by bestowing blessings like a fulfilling and joyful relationship, deep intimacy, mutual support, and a sense of peace within the partnership. He will guide you through the stages of a healthy relationship and, if it’s His plan, onto a lasting marriage.
Recognizing a Partner With Shared Life Goals
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”–2 Corinthians 6:14.
In dating or marriage, being equally yoked means that both partners are pursuing God together. When one person is deeply committed to Christ and the other is not, it creates a significant spiritual imbalance. This can lead to challenges, misunderstandings, and friction in a relationship. When assessing compatibility in faith-based relationships, considering whether or not you and your partner are “equally yoked” is most crucial.
However, there are other important questions to pose throughout the process of intentional dating to ensure you and your partner are on the same page and headed in the right direction.
Intentional dating questions to ask when seeking a relationship include:
- Do you share the same goals?
- Can you have problem-solving conversations?
- Do you have common interests?
- Do you feel comfortable being honest with each other?
- Do you value the same things?
- Is there physical attraction?
- Is God at the center of the relationship?
- Are you both willing to grow?
- Is marriage the main goal in this relationship?
Intentional dating questions to ask when seeking regarding God and religion:
- Do we agree on how to raise children in the Light of God?
- Do we share the same practices?
- Do we agree on how often and where to attend worship service?
- Do we have a similar vision regarding how to serve God?
- Do we have the same values of purity before marriage?
- Do we both believe in intentional dating?
Relationships Rooted in Trust, Faith, and Shared Purpose
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”–Proverbs 3:5-6.
Christian principles and prayer should always guide the journey of finding a partner in faith-based relationships. Choosing the path of intentional dating, where you trust God and allow him to foster growth and togetherness, is always the place to start. A solid Christian relationship must always be rooted in trust, faith, and shared purpose.
Finding a partner who shares your love of God and is willing to celebrate and grow with you can seem challenging. That’s why Christian Mingle, the largest faith-based dating website, brings together partners of the same beliefs right from the beginning. There’s no guessing a love interest’s faith, questioning their practice, or wondering how God-centered their life is. Our matchmaking process allows you to pair with compatible singles who are on the same path as you right off the bat. Quickly see what denomination a person follows, what their practice looks like, and their long-term goals right on their profile before even starting a conversation.
A Christian relationship rooted in faith and shared purpose offers numerous benefits that help both partners grow individually and together. These include laying a strong spiritual foundation, mutual accountability, personal growth, and aligned values and priorities. The result is a relationship that provides strength through trying times, a love that reflects Christ’s sacrifice, improved communication, and a life of joy and peace. These are all the things that you deserve.
Overcoming Challenges of Intentional Dating
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”–James 4:7.
While intentional dating is rewarding, it’s not without challenges. Impatience, peer pressure, and misaligned expectations are a few issues that may arise, especially in the early days of a relationship. Greatest of all is the issue of temptation to fall into sexual impurity.
However, prayer is a powerful tool for overcoming these challenges. When considering the best Christian dating advice, utilizing prayer and leaning into the power of God is key. Always remind yourself of who God is, along with His goodness. Bring all concerns and challenges to God directly through prayer, releasing your burdens to him. Pray for wisdom and guidance in all trying times and trust that God will provide. He will provide strength and endurance to overcome all obstacles and continue on the path to intentional dating in faith-based relationships. Seek his protection and deliverance, and above all, trust God’s timing. It’s never anything but perfect.
Join Christian Mingle Today
If you’re ready to build a Christ-centered relationship, join Christian Mingle today and connect with equally yoked singles. Find a partner who shares your faith and values. Start your journey to intentional dating and find God’s perfect match for you.