I have thought about this topic a lot! How should christian teens date?
If you were to look up the word date or dating in the bible nothing would come up. Back in those times dating was not a relative concept. Back in those times it was usually pre-arranged before you were born marriages.
What does God say?
God may not talk about our modern dating standards but he does talk a lot about love! The word love is used in the bible roughly forty times, so it must be important. Leviticus 19:18 the last part of this verse is important, "but you shall love your neighbors as yourself." Okay, so we should treat others like we want to be treated. But how does this translate into a romantic relationship. I think that this shows in a relationship both partners should put in the same amount of effort to make the relationship work.
Apostle Paul has something to say about loving in 1 Corinthians 13:7 "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." In other words, in a healthy relationship one must be able to get through hardships and life with one another. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 adds this, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." This verse truly tells us how to act to our fellow humans and companions. Without love everything we do is pure meaninglessness. We must fully understand what is meant by love here.
The word translated love is agape in Greek, in the new testament documents seem to refer to a particularly powerful love which leads to action and sacrifice. In a relationship we will have to make sacrifices and show love through our actions. To be able to be with someone we are falling in love with or that we love already there are things that we will have to give up and change for the relationship to grow.
Proverbs 31:10-11, "An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband that in her, and he will have no lack of gain." In other words when men find the perfect wife they should be grateful and cherish her. A virtuous wife is rare, but wise women will make changes to match the great woman's description of the perfect wife in Proverbs 31. Ephesians 5:25, "For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her."
One of the most important things is finding the right person to date. 2 Corinthians 6:14 says, "Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?" For instance, let's say I liked a guy but he was making all the wrong decisions and hanging with the wrong crowd. Maybe he isn't even christian. God would not want you to be with someone who would drag you down spiritually.
What can we do to prepare for future relationships?
Even if you are already in a relationship, are interested in someone, or single begin praying about your future regarding dating. Pray that God will bring along the right mate for you. If you are already in a relationship today pray that it be to glorify God and that you will do all things right in his sight. Proverbs 16:3, "Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established." In whatever you do, if you are following God, then you will come to the realizations that when you follow him it is what brings you joy. DO NOT look to a relationship to bring you complete joy. I am no way saying that you shouldn't be happy because of a relationship, I am saying all your happiness should not stem from it. Because if God is the center of your attention than you will always find some joy! Always remember that before you decide to be with someone you ask God to help you make the decision about whether being with that person is a good idea.
Disclaimer: In no way am I an expert on relationships or love. This is just my opinion! Always look to the bible for direction!
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