If you want to know how best date as a Christian – you are in the right place! Have you ever wondered what the secrets of successful dates are and why some brothers and sisters do it better? Probably, you have repeatedly been on dates and you have experience of both positive and unsuccessful dates. We decided to write an article in which we want to list basic tips on how to conduct Christian dates and make them unforgettable! More than 150 Christians from different cities took part in the preparation of this material. Let us speak at the very beginning of the basic principles that all unmarried brothers and sisters in the church should practice. In essence, this is one of the main principles associated with dating, from which all others flow, to preserve its purity and righteousness before God. Dating men and women in the world and in the church have different goals. And the concept of a “successful date” will have completely different meanings in the world and in the church. In the letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul recalls how men should treat women: “Treat the youngest, as brothers, women older than yourself, like mothers, and women younger than yourself like sisters with all purity.” – 1 Timothy 5: 1-2 Every brother and sister in our church believes that men and women should keep their purity before the wedding.
Therefore, it is important to recall a passage from the Bible, which speaks of another important conviction: “Therefore, he who thinks that he stands firmly must beware so as not to fall. You did not have such a temptation, which would be alien to people. But trust God. He will not lead you into temptation beyond your powers, but along with temptation he will show you how to avoid him in order to resist.” – 1 Corinthians 10: 12-13 Jesus Christ laid a very good foundation for how a man should not look at a woman: “You have heard that it is said: ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery in his heart. And therefore, if your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away, for it is better for you to lose one part of your body than the whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, chop it off and throw it away, for it is better for you to lose one part of your body than to be cast into hell.” – Matthew 5: 27-30
All these and other Bible passages should again and again remind unmarried brothers and sisters of righteousness in relationships and the danger that sneaks up every time when brother and sister do not pay enough attention to spiritual advice and teaching of the Bible. The purpose of a Christian date is to get to know your brother or sister, to support him or her, to find common topics for communication. Yes, not all dates in the church should have a goal to find your one and only! Dating in the church is one of the strongest intercommunicating ties of the church. It strengthens and helps many unmarried to complete their salvation.
I remember that when I was still friends with my future wife Ira, I always accompanied her home in the evening. Ira lived in the same apartment with other sisters, but in the evenings they were often not at home. We remembered the advice that you should not be left alone in one apartment or room. I still remember how I escorted Ira to the apartment, and then stayed in the corridor, and she carried me tea to the stairwell. Yes! And although it may look strange and even stupid from the outside, we do not regret that we followed this advice, and I don’t remember that we would ever be alone in the apartment. But thanks to this, it was at the wedding we had our first kiss. On the other hand, we know brothers and sisters who neglected this advice and succumbed to temptation. It is good if they find the strength to admit their sin, repent and keep their faith, but there are those who left the church because of their sin.
So these tips may look foolish if you think you are stronger than sin. But the Bible tells us to be careful not to fall. Is it worth risking eternity for the moment’s desire of your sinful nature? I am very grateful to our church for teaching these Biblical truths from the very beginning of my Christian life. Believe me, this is not taught in all churches, Here are some tips:
- Never go on dates with men or women from the world. The Bible says that you were redeemed from the world at a high price (1 Corinthians 7:23). You may have thoughts that you control everything and that nothing will happen.
- Never be alone together, even for a short time. Let it look strange from the outside. It’s worth it, believe me.
- Try not to go on dates alone. Always look for at least one more Christian couple. Remember that the goals of worldly and Christian dates are very different.
- Do not make dates in “worldly” places: nightclubs, bars, hookahs, discos and similar places.
- Do not date at a late time. Remember that you will have to go back home when it gets dark. Namely, late in the night there are various bad thoughts.
- Never stay overnight with a unmarried brother and sister.
- Try to physically touch each other less. Limit hugs, holding hands, and other touches. All this, for the reasons described above, will lead you in another direction that is not necessary for you and your companion.
- Try not to communicate at a late time. For the same reasons described above. Purity and righteousness. Are you confident? Watch out not to fall. And think about the other person, so as not to become a reason for temptation.