What Does the Bible Say About Christian Dating?

The Bible does not explicitly mention modern dating but offers foundational principles for Christ-centered relationships. Second Corinthians 6:14-15 warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, emphasizing that partners should share a genuine commitment to Christ and pursue holiness together. Physical boundaries should reflect treating dating partners as brothers or sisters in Christ, avoiding sexual immorality while maintaining purity. Spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study help couples discern appropriate limits, and accountability from trusted Christian friends provides essential support. The following sections explore how these biblical principles translate into practical guidance for physical boundaries and relationship decisions.

Key Takeaways

• The Bible requires believers to date only other Christians, warning against being “unequally yoked with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15).
• Dating relationships should glorify God by reflecting holiness, faithfulness, and love while pursuing Christ-likeness together.
• Physical intimacy before marriage is prohibited; treat dating partners as brothers or sisters in Christ with purity.
• Set clear physical boundaries early, keeping hands outside clothing and avoiding isolated or compromising situations.
• Maintain accountability through trusted Christian friends, spiritual disciplines, and open communication about temptations and limits.

What Does the Bible Say About Christian Dating?

The Bible does not explicitly mention “dating” as it exists in modern Western culture, yet it provides clear principles that guide how Christians should approach romantic relationships.

Second Corinthians 6:14-15 instructs believers not to be “unequally yoked with unbelievers,” establishing that romantic partnerships should exist within the faith. A suitable partner must be born-again in the Spirit of Christ and actively pursuing Christ-likeness rather than merely professing Christianity verbally.

The principle that light has no fellowship with darkness makes dating non-Christians incompatible with Christian faith. A shared desire toward Christ-likeness serves as a foundation for discovering character before making commitment.

Dating someone not fully committed to Christ invites disaster in both the relationship and potential marriage that may follow. Additionally, dating for God’s glory means that the relationship should reflect His holiness, faithfulness, and love in all its aspects. Scripture instructs believers to treat fellow Christians with familial respect and purity, recognizing that those outside marriage are brothers and sisters in Christ.

Catholics, as a major branch of Christianity, would also emphasize seeking a partner who shares core Christian beliefs and sacramental life, such as participation in the seven sacraments, when considering a lifelong commitment.

How Should Christians Set Physical Boundaries While Dating?

Physical boundaries in Christian dating remain one of the most practically challenging aspects of romantic relationships, requiring both biblical wisdom and honest self-awareness.

Navigating physical boundaries in Christian dating demands both scriptural grounding and radical honesty about our own vulnerabilities and temptations.

While Scripture prohibits premarital sex, it offers limited specific guidance on individual physical acts, directing believers instead toward general principles like treating dating partners as brothers or sisters in Christ. The “holy kiss” principle suggests physical affection should express care without causing sexual arousal. Consistent engagement in foundational spiritual disciplines, like regular Bible reading and prayer, helps couples maintain spiritual maturity and discernment in boundary-setting.

Practical guidelines include keeping hands outside clothing and away from swimsuit-covered areas, avoiding lying down together or isolated settings, and prohibiting heavy petting or making out.

Couples should establish these boundaries early, before emotional attachment clouds judgment, communicate specific limits clearly, and invite trusted Christian friends to provide accountability and support throughout the relationship. Dating with purpose helps avoid casual, aimless relationships and instead pursues Christ-centered clarity over casual intimacy. When temptation arises, couples can use agreed code words or a numerical scale to communicate arousal levels and take immediate action like turning on lights or going for a walk.