Let’s be honest—dating is complicated.
And that’s even more true for people who are trying to follow Christ!
We all have dating stories where we weren’t ready, or we were in the wrong relationship. Maybe you’ve felt the pressure to find “the one” or wondered if God even cares about who you date.
Relationships are a big deal. They shape our lives, our faith, and our future. Whether you’re single, dating, or somewhere in between, here are some key principles for navigating dating in a way that honors God and brings you joy.
1. Pursue God First
Before we focus on finding the right person, we need to focus on becoming the right person.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” –Matthew 6:33
If we’re chasing after a relationship more than we’re chasing after God, we’re going to end up feeling empty—or worse.
It’s never good to be “desperate,” whether that’s in the dating arena or otherwise. When you start pressing to “make it happen” with someone, instead of trusting in your Heavenly Father to provide, you end up lowering your standards or trying to make something work that was never meant to happen.
2. Date with Intentionality
Intentional dating doesn’t mean you have to know on the first date if you’ll marry them (that would be a lot of pressure!). Start by asking yourself, “Do I like being around this person?”
And then quickly follow that up with, “Is this person drawing me closer to God?” and “Do we share a vision for life and faith?”
3. Set Healthy Boundaries
Boundaries aren’t just about saying “no” to things—they’re about saying “yes” to protecting what matters.
That means physical boundaries (because we’re called to honor God with our bodies), emotional boundaries (because sharing too much too soon can lead to hurt), and spiritual boundaries (because faith should be a foundation, not just an afterthought).
“Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.” –1 Corinthians 6:19
Boundaries help us treat both ourselves and our partners with honor and respect.
4. Seek Wise Counsel
“I was so into someone that I ignored all the red flags.”
To save ourselves the heartache of a painful dating experience, it’s important to recall the wisdom of Proverbs:
“Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” –Proverbs 15:22
It’s so important to have wise voices speaking into your relationship. They can encourage you when you’re in a good relationship and challenge you when something seems off.
Note: True wisdom isn’t just trusting the advice of people who agree with you. Prioritize and honor the wisdom of your parents.
5. Trust in God’s Timing
If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only single person left, remember there are a lot of other single people out there just like you.
It’s easy to feel impatient or discouraged, wondering if God is ever going to bring the right person into your life. Cling to this truth:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.” –Proverbs 3:5-6
God knows what he’s doing. His timing is always better than ours, even when we don’t see it yet.
Final Thoughts
Dating should be an experience that brings joy, not anxiety. It’s not about chasing perfection or trying to fit someone else’s timeline—it’s about trusting God and walking in wisdom.
When we approach dating with faith, intentionality, and a desire to honor God, we build relationships that aren’t just fun in the moment but have a lasting purpose.
After all, the goal of dating isn’t just to avoid loneliness or pass the time—it’s to build a foundation for a marriage that lasts a lifetime.
