Christian Dating - When Should I Start?

So you really like this guy or girl but aren't quite sureBottom line, you need to seek God and then dive
if you're ready to jump into the huge world of datinginto a dating relationship - you'll be happy you did
- much less Christian dating. Most Christians will telldown the road!
you that Christian dating puts a ton of pressure onYou need a strong grip on your beliefs and morals -
you since you should be living for God while followingDo you have an opinion about some of the "hot
His laws. So the question is - how do you know iftopics" in Christianity such as speaking in tongues or
you're ready to start dating?when you should be baptized? By looking to God's
My stance on this one is that you are ready to startWord and then making a decision on where you
dating when you have a solid relationship with Jesusstand, you'll be able to talk about these deep
Christ and have a strong grip on your beliefs andtheological issues with your future boyfriend and
morals. That's a lot to digest so let me break it downgirlfriend.
for you:One of the things that you don't want to have
You need a solid relationship with Jesus Christ -happen is going into a relationship with no opinion on
Whether you're a guy or a girl, your number oneany theological issue. If you do this, chances are your
relationship in life needs to be with Jesus. The Bibleboyfriend or girlfriend will pretty much decide for you.
talks about the importance of having a solidI've seen this many times in relationships! If you're
relationship with Him and therefore we should followdating a solid Christian and keep God in the center of
that advice! You should be praying constantly andyour relationship [ then this may not be a bad thing.
seeking His guidance about dating someone. One ofBy dating a solid Christian you get a better grasp of
my favorite Bible verses is James 1:5:the Christian faith. Sadly, not all Christians date other
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, whoChristians [ and therefore lose their faith. Bottom line,
gives generously to all without finding fault, and it willknow where you stand so you can talk about these
be given to him."issues!
If you're stumped as to whether God is calling you toThe pastor at Denton Bible Church, Tommy Nelson,
a relationship then pray about it and ask God forsaid that you are ready to start dating when you are
wisdom! If you are called to be single that's OK! Beingrunning as fast as you can for Jesus and you find
single is by no means a "defeat" - the Bible makessomeone running next to you. What a great analogy!
many references of people being single (famousAs Christians, we are ready to date someone when
people in the Bible who were single include Paul andwe are giving all we have to Jesus and want to
oh yeah, Jesus).share that faith with someone else!