Sanctified Love: Honoring God in Dating and Courtship
Calling All Singles!!
Are you looking to discover the key to honoring God in dating and courtship? Do you want to understand the importance of aligning your relationships with His design? Well, you're in the right place. In a world where dating can often feel confusing and disconnected from our faith, it's essential to explore how we can honor God in this area of our lives.
Learning to Date with God in the Center
When it comes to dating and courtship, honoring God in dating is more than just a nice idea—it’s essential. Growing up as a young Christian girl, dating wasn’t really something we talked about at home or even much at church. Outside of the usual talks about staying pure, there wasn’t much guidance. I remember feeling unsure, even a little lost, about how to navigate dating in a way that pleased God.
Maybe that’s where you are too. Maybe you’re new to dating, or maybe you’ve been at it a while but never really thought about what it means to honor God through it. Either way, I want to share a few things I’ve learned—things I wish I had known sooner.
One thing that helped shift my perspective was a verse that continues to anchor me: Proverbs 3:5-6.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
That verse reminds me to invite God into every part of my dating life—not just in moments of confusion or heartache, but from the very start. It’s like having a spiritual GPS. For me, that looks like praying for clarity, asking God to lead me, and leaning on wisdom from godly friends and mentors. It also means checking my choices against Scripture to make sure I’m walking in alignment with His Word.
Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own opinion,
but the one who listens to advice is wise.
Matthew 7:24 “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds beat against that house, but it did not collapse because its foundation had been laid on rock. 26 Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
Start with God Before You Start Dating
One thing I wish I had done differently is prioritizing God. In my younger years, I made the mistake of putting my own desires and timelines above His plan. I doubted His timing and thought I could make better choices on my own. Let me tell you, that was a recipe for disaster. I ended up in relationships that were far from what God intended. Some were with unbelievers who led me down paths of unrighteousness, while others claimed to be believers but had the spiritual maturity of a gnat. It was a roller coaster of heartache and regret.
Looking back, I realize I hadn't grasped the importance of developing personal spiritual maturity before diving into a relationship. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard our hearts because everything we do flows from it. If we're not rooted in our faith and growing in our relationship with God, we're setting ourselves up for poor decision-making. I wish I had taken the time to strengthen my own spiritual foundation, to seek wisdom and guidance from God's Word, and to surround myself with believers who could encourage and challenge me in my faith.
So, my friend, here's my advice to you: prioritize God above all else. Seek His will, trust His timing, and don't rush into relationships before you're spiritually ready. Allow God to shape your desires and mold your heart so that when the right person comes along, you'll be equipped to make wise choices. Let's learn from my mistakes and build relationships on a foundation that can withstand the storms of life. Trust me, it's a decision you won't regret.
Setting Healthy Boundaries to Honor God
When it comes to pursuing godly characteristics in dating, one area that cannot be overlooked is purity and sexual boundaries. As Christians, we are called to honor God's design for intimacy and to approach relationships with reverence and respect. Part of this involves being equally yoked, which means seeking a partner who shares our faith and values. This shared foundation becomes the anchor for establishing healthy boundaries and maintaining sexual purity.
Setting boundaries while dating is crucial to protect ourselves and honor God in our relationships. Here are some tips to help you navigate this journey:
Clearly communicate your values and expectations early on.
Seek accountability through trusted friends or mentors.
Spend time in prayer, asking for God's guidance and strength.
Avoid compromising situations and environments that may tempt you.
Set physical boundaries that align with your convictions and comfort levels.
Practice self-discipline and self-control in your actions and thoughts.
Invest in emotional and spiritual intimacy rather than solely focusing on physical attraction.
Remember, setting boundaries isn't about restricting our freedom or pleasure, but rather about creating a solid foundation that allows our relationships to flourish in a way that honors God and respects one another. By pursuing godly characteristics, valuing purity, and setting healthy boundaries, we can build relationships that reflect the love and holiness of our Heavenly Father. Let's seek to honor God in every aspect of our lives.
Trusting God's Timing in the Waiting
Dating can be filled with difficulties and challenges, but as followers of Christ, we can navigate through them with patience and trust in God's timing. It's easy to feel discouraged or lonely while waiting for the right person to come along, but during these seasons of single hood, we have an opportunity to serve God in unique ways. Instead of solely focusing on being alone, let's channel our energy into activities that bring us closer to God and others.
One way to do this is by getting involved in church ministries and groups. Joining a Bible study, participating in the choir, or engaging with a singles group can provide opportunities for growth, connection, and service. In these settings, we can strengthen our faith, build meaningful relationships, and use our singleness as a platform to glorify God.
Finding Strength in Scripture
During moments of impatience, we can turn to Scripture for encouragement and guidance. Psalm 27:14 reminds us to "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Trusting in God's timing means surrendering our desires and plans to Him, knowing that He has our best interests at heart. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. When we anchor our trust in God, we can find peace and confidence in His plan, even when it doesn't align with our own timeline.
So, view this season of singlehood as an opportunity to serve and grow in our relationship with God. Let's focus on the joys of serving Him, connecting with fellow believers, and trusting in His perfect timing. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. God is with you every step of the way, and He has a beautiful plan in store. Keep your eyes fixed on Him and let the experiences of single-hood shape you into the person He desires you to be.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Dating with God at the center isn’t always easy, but it’s so worth it. If you’re looking for some practical guidance to help you honor God in your dating journey, I’ve created a free printable with 5 Steps for Godly Dating. This simple tool can help you stay focused on what matters most and make wise choices along the way.
Feel free to download your copy here and keep growing in faith and love:
Download 5 Steps for Godly Dating (PDF)
Remember, honoring God in dating means trusting Him every step of the way—and He is faithful to lead you right where you need to be.
What about you?
How do you stay focused on honoring God in your dating or singleness? I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences in the comments below. Feel free to drop a prayer request or share a word of encouragement for others on this journey.
If this post blessed you, please share it with a friend who might need it too. And if you’re looking for more guidance, be sure to check out my related post, How to Bring Glory to God: 5 Steps to Godly Dating, for practical tips on keeping God first in your relationships.
Let’s build a community that uplifts and encourages one another to honor God in every relationship. Thank you for reading, and may God guide your heart every step of the way!
