There’s this huge gray area in the Bible and it is something that plagues the minds of teens and adults endlessly: “dating.” Countless books, articles, movies and songs have been written about it; there are just too many opinions and not enough truth. I certainly don’t have all of the answers and I’m still learning myself, but I do know one thing for sure: God should always be at the center of a relationship. Here are some ways I’ve found that show God is at the forefront.
1. The desire to disciple each other
At the beginning of your relationship, you should both decide what it means to disciple each other. You should both be unafraid to hold each other accountable and point out any inconsistencies in your walk with God. Of course, this should be done in love and with grace but you should both hold each other to a high standard and encourage each other to be the people God has called you to be.
2. Those who pray and study together stay together.
Reading the Bible and praying are such key pieces to a Christian’s relationship with God. It’s the time where we draw closest to Him through learning about Him and just sitting in His presence when we pray. If your significant other is encouraging you to pray with him or her or do Bible studies, you’re on the right track. It is so important to spend time with God together because the whole purpose of a God-centered relationship is to grow together in Christ Jesus. Praying and reading are the tools we have to grow and it’s really cool to hear the other person’s thoughts. Who knows, they might point something out in a way you never thought about before.
3. You find yourself spending more time with God.
Maybe your prayer life has become a little dull or maybe you feel like your Bible studies are not revealing anything new. When you’re dating someone, you shouldn’t be neglecting God; you should be even more in love with the Lord. Suddenly your prayer life is more focused and enjoyable and your Bible study methods have been revamped. You should be desiring alone time with God just as much, and even more, than you want to be with your significant other.
4. Time together = Time with God
As you’re hanging out, going for a walk, or just enjoying a beautiful sunny day, God’s presence should be evident. If one or both of you are musically inclined, random worship sessions are always fun. Maybe you both love to pray so spontaneous prayers would be appreciated. There’s nothing more special than being with the one you love and also expressing your love and praise for God. It makes your time together more sweet and edifying.
5. All you need is agape.
God’s love for us is unconditional and far greater and deeper than we could ever fathom. When we try and push Him away He waits patiently, with open arms, for us to come back to Him (the Lord). The love you feel for people, especially your significant other, should be this same agape love. First Corinthians 13:4-7 is a perfect summary of what this love looks like. Love is also a choice. Feelings fade so every day you need to choose to love that person and be there for them. The goal should also be to learn how to avoid disappointing, frustrating, or hurting the person you’re dating. It’s true that if you have not experienced God’s love, you won’t know how to love the way God designed love to be.
