WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT DATING AND APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR FOR DATING?

The Bible does not specifically address the issue of dating, but the Bible does provide us with many guidelines and principles which should most certainly be considered and applied to dating and dating activities. The Bible does command us not to be "unequally yoked together with unbelievers" and forbids believers to marry those outside of the Christian Faith (2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 7:39; cf. Deuteronomy 7:3-4; Ezra 9:12; Nehemiah 13:25-27). Therefore, Christians should never enter into a serious dating relationship with anyone who does not trust in Christ as Savior and who does not desire to study God's Word and attend church services at a church which is faithful to the Bible. Many have led very troubled lives, and even lost the faith, because they failed to heed this counsel from God's Word.

Secondly, the Bible makes very clear that sexual activity is reserved for the marriage union. The Bible commands us to "flee" and "abstain from fornication" [any sexual union outside of marriage] and warns that God will judge those who commit fornication (1 Corinthians 6:18; 6:9-10; 1 Thessalonians 4:3). The Bible also says: "Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof" (Romans 13:14). Since all are inclined to have sinful thoughts and desires, those who date ought not attempt to incite such desires by their dress or activities; and great care needs to be taken to avoid places and activities which provide opportunity for our flesh to fulfill its lusts and desires. A good question to consider before any dating activity is whether or not you can in this glorify Christ and do His will.

For those who have failed to follow the counsel of God's Word, God offers to you in His Son, Christ Jesus, forgiveness and the help and strength to live for Him in accord with His holy will.

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