Updated: January 29, 2019

Christian Dating Principles: How to Know If God Wants You to Date Someone 

Christian teen dating is often filled with lots of questions and it can be hard to figure out  how to know if God wants you to date someone. By learning some Christian dating principles, it can help with sorting out people who are of interest to you.

With Christian teenage relationships, you tend to date more cautiously because you are dating with a purpose and that’s to glorify God so of course you want to know if He agrees with the person.

Will the Lord come down in the flesh and answer you? He could but He most likely won’t. However, He will use other ways to help you figure it out.

There are ways to tell if God is for or against the relationship.

It doesn’t make them a bad person. They may just not be for you for whatever reason or for whatever season. However, it could also be God seeing something we can’t. Therefore, we have to trust His eyes since we don’t usually get to see the whole picture right away or at all.

Here are some Christian dating principles that will hopefully put things into perspective and let you know if you should date this particular person right now.

5 Christian Dating Principles

1) You have met someone who meets Godly standards–

This may seem like a give in but I can’t tell you how many people have settled simply because they can’t wait, lost trust in God, or are just bored. Maybe you’ve already written down a list of characteristics most important to you in your future mate. If not, click here for some ideas to help you out.

The most important characteristic is they are a Godly person. This way they understand the love you have for the Lord and will help bring you to the throne of God and not away.

2) You are ready–

In order to be in a healthy and successful relationship, it’s important to come as a whole person.

There are tragedies and emotional issues that happen in our life where we still might be hurting and need healing.

If you are not sure what that may look like, then I would ask a parent or trusted adult. Prepare yourself. At first, you may not like what you hear but if you trust this person then take what they say as a way to reflect and better yourself where need be.

3) You have approval with your parents–

I’m really hoping you’re not groaning at this but hear me out. Getting your parents approval is an important step. It’s shows you are serious about this person and you approve of them as well. I often see people not tell their parents because deep down they know they can do better.

Going around your parent’s backs will just set a foundation of mistrust.

You want to set your relationship up for success and will need your parent’s guidance and prayer in the fight to remain sexually pure.

4) YOU are choosing to date–

With dating there can be a lot of pressure from outside sources like friends, family, the media or even the person themselves. Just remember, you don’t owe anyone anything. If you don’t want to date, you don’t have to.

The question to really ask yourself is, Do I want to date?

For other questions to ask when you finally do decide to accept that first date, click here.

If you feel like you are under pressure, then I would take a step back and find your voice. Ok I’m going to get a little cliché and say, “Just say no!”

5) You see marriage potential-

This may seem extreme if you are younger but that in itself can be a determinant if you should date someone.

The point of dating is primarily because you feel this person would be ideal as a future husband or wife and would like to see if it could be a lifelong match.

Think of it as an investment.

Honestly, why would you waste your time, effort, feelings, gift ideas, and the fight to remain sexually pure, on someone you could either care less about in a week or you’ll forget about in a year or five minutes? Yes, even if you are a teen.

If you don’t see them as marriage potential, I would pass. It’ll be worth it later.

Christian Dating Scriptures

Overall, when it comes to dating or any decision in your life it’s important to distinguish God’s voice through it all. Trust in His timing and His knowledge. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord” (Isa. 55:8).

Believe me, He’s not running around in heaven or on the latest Christian dating site trying to find you a mate. He created that person and is excited for you to meet them. He knows who they are! Hold on brothers and sisters. You can do it!

Baskets of blessings!

Nina Daugherty