Sermon about Dating – Living Love with Holiness
A significant aspect of life for many: Christian dating. As believers, even in matters of the heart, we are called to live with intention, holiness, and a deep desire to honor God. Let us explore how to navigate the path of dating with a distinctly Christian perspective.
1. Dating should have a purpose: direction towards marriage (Genesis 2:24)
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife…” From the very foundation of marriage established in Genesis, we understand that the leaving and cleaving are intended as the natural progression of a committed relationship. Christian dating, therefore, should ideally be entered with a purposeful direction, prayerfully considering the potential for a lifelong covenant of marriage.
2. Unequally Yoked Dating Compromises Faith (2 Corinthians 6:14)
“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers…” This crucial principle extends to the realm of dating. To intentionally enter a deep and intimate relationship with someone who does not share our core faith can lead to significant compromise, conflict, and a pulling away from God's intended path for our lives. Our most intimate partnership should be with someone who shares our love for Christ and commitment to His Word.
3. Dating requires purity and holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification... that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor…” 1 Holiness is not just for Sunday mornings; it permeates every aspect of our lives, including our dating relationships. We are called to honor God with our bodies and our interactions, maintaining purity in our thoughts, words, and actions throughout the dating process.
4. Love must be sincere, not just emotion (Romans 12:9)
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.” Christian love, even in the context of dating, must be genuine and rooted in Christ-like character. It is more than fleeting emotions; it is a sincere commitment to what is good, honest, and edifying for the other person, even when it requires sacrifice.
5. Christian dating should glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31)
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Our dating relationships are not exempt from this overarching principle. Every interaction, every decision we make during courtship should reflect our desire to honor God and bring glory to His name. This means seeking His will and aligning our relationships with His standards.
6. We must guard our hearts during courtship (Proverbs 4:23)
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” The period of dating can be emotionally intense, and it is vital that we protect our hearts. This involves seeking godly counsel, setting healthy boundaries, and remaining grounded in our identity in Christ, rather than solely in the relationship.
7. Dating requires self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is... self-control…” The fruit of the Spirit should be evident in our dating lives. Self-control is essential in maintaining purity, setting appropriate boundaries, and making wise decisions, rather than being driven by impulsive desires or emotions.
8. Prayer is essential for a successful relationship (Philippians 4:6)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything let your requests be made known to God…” Prayer should be the foundation of Christian dating. Seeking God's guidance, wisdom, and discernment is crucial as we navigate the complexities of relationships. Praying individually and, when appropriate, together with the person we are dating, strengthens the spiritual foundation.
9. Mutual respect is the basis of the relationship (Ephesians 5:2)
“Walk in love, as Christ also loved you…” Just as Christ loved us with respect and selfless devotion, so too should we treat those we are dating. Mutual respect involves valuing their thoughts, feelings, and boundaries, honoring them as individuals created in God's image.
10. Dating is a time for mutual edification (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
“Therefore comfort one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Christian dating should be a time of mutual growth and encouragement in our faith. We should seek to build one another up spiritually, challenging each other to grow closer to Christ and live out our faith more fully.
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Conclusion
Therefore, let us approach Christian dating with purpose, purity, sincerity, and a deep desire to glorify God. Let us guard our hearts, exercise self-control, and make prayer the cornerstone of our relationships. May our pursuit of love be rooted in holiness and lead to partnerships that honor Christ and build His kingdom. Amen.
