Dating and the Bible

How Does the Bible Encourage Us to Date?

Morality/Purity:

Conduct yourselves appropriately (Romans 13:13-14)

Don't let the world determine how you date (I Tim 4:12)
No sex while dating; stay away from all sexual immorality (Eph 5:3, 1 Thes 4:3-5)
Overcome impure sexual desires together (1 Cor 6:18)
Honor God with your bodies (1 Cor 6:12-20)
Don't be tempted by your sinful nature to fulfill evil desires; instead, pursue righteousness with
your partner (2 Tim 2:22)
Don't act on your desires; be mindful of the consequences of your actions (Prov 19:2)
Don't feed the flesh (James 4:4)
Don't cheat on your partner (Prov 7:6-22)
Resist temptations in relationships (1 Cor 10:13)

Excellence:

Love your partner genuinely (Eph 5:3)

Be committed to your partner and respect her/him (Matt 19:5)
Love as Christ would (Phil 2:5)
Date for the Lord (1 Cor 10:31)
Love your partner earnestly (1 Peter 4:8)
Work together to become better people (Gen 2:29)
Show respect and submit to your partner's desires (Eph 5:33)
Both sides should work equally as hard on the relationship (2 Cor 6:14)
Include God in your relationship with songs and prayer (Eph 5:19)
Pursue a relationship free from strife and full of love (1 Cor 6:14)
Our love should be just as sincere and long lasting as God's (Psalm 118:2)
Don't judge your partner, but see your own flaws (2 Cor 6:14)
Love your partner for real (Romans 12:9-10)
Count on your partner; be someone your partner can count on (Ecc 4:9-12)

Partnering Well:

Don't date a nonbeliever; you won't mix (2 Cor 6:14)

God doesn't want you to be alone; find His perfect match for you (Gen 2:18)
You should miss your partner when s/he is away (Gen 2:18)
Find the right match for you (2 Cor 6:14-15)
Date a strong Christian (2 Tim 2:22)
Don't go around trying to find a boyfriend or girlfriend; trust God's plan for you (Jem 29:11)
Be in a relationship with someone who is a good example to you; likewise, be a good example
to your partner (1 Cor 15:33)
Don't force a relationship when the feelings aren't mutual (Amos 3:3)
Be with someone who makes you a better person (2 Cor 15:33)
Date someone full of noble character; you will be blessed (Prov 31:10-15)
Don't date someone who's quarrelsome (Prov 19:13-14)
Don't rush into the relationship; get to know the other person first (Prov 19:2)

Being Wise:

Seek counsel from older couples (Prov 15:22)

Involve God in all of your decisions together (James 1:5)
Be in a relationship for the right reasons; be in a relationship that will last (2 Tim 2:22)
Don't date when you're young. Instead pursue the Lord (2 Tim 2:22; 1 Tim 5:2)
Trust in God for the right path (Psalm 37:3-4)
Make God the foundation of your relationship (Prov 16:3)