Relationships are a big part of life.
People want to love and be loved, and many look for that love in dating relationships.
The Bible does not specifically mention the words “boyfriend” or “girlfriend” because dating, as we know it today, did not exist in biblical times.
However, the Bible does give plenty of guidance on love, relationships, and how to treat the person you are interested in.
God cares about every aspect of life, including dating.
He wants relationships to be built on respect, commitment, and love that reflects His character.
Understanding what the Bible says about relationships can help couples navigate dating in a way that honors God.
Love Should Be Rooted in God
Before thinking about a relationship with another person, it is important to have a strong relationship with God.
Matthew 22:37 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
When someone’s love for God is the foundation of their life, it influences how they approach dating.
A boyfriend or girlfriend should never take the place of God in someone’s heart.
True love flows from knowing God and understanding His love first.
1 John 4:19 says, “We love because he first loved us.”
When a person is secure in God’s love, they can enter a relationship with the right mindset, looking to give rather than just receive.
Dating Should Be Intentional
Dating should have a purpose.
In biblical times, relationships led to marriage, not just casual connections.
While the Bible does not say that every dating relationship must lead to marriage, it does encourage believers to be intentional with their relationships.
Proverbs 4:23 warns, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Jumping into relationships without thought can lead to heartbreak and confusion.
Dating should be done with wisdom, prayer, and the desire to honor God.
If a relationship is not leading toward commitment, it is worth asking whether it is wise to continue.
God calls His people to be intentional, not reckless, with their emotions.
Choose a Partner Who Shares Your Faith
One of the most important biblical principles for relationships is choosing a partner who shares your faith.
2 Corinthians 6:14 warns, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.
For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?
Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
A strong relationship is built on common values and faith in God.
When a boyfriend and girlfriend have different beliefs, it can lead to struggles in priorities, decisions, and the future of the relationship.
God wants His people to be with someone who will encourage their faith, not pull them away from it.
A relationship with someone who loves God will be stronger because both people are focused on the same foundation.
Purity Matters in Relationships
The Bible speaks clearly about purity in relationships.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 says, “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.”
God designed relationships to be pure, saving intimacy for marriage.
Dating couples should respect each other by setting boundaries and seeking to honor God with their actions.
Hebrews 13:4 reminds, “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure.”
Respecting God’s design for relationships helps couples build trust, honor, and self-control.
Purity is not about following rules—it is about valuing one another and walking in obedience to God.
Relationships Should Be Built on Respect and Love
A godly relationship is one where both individuals treat each other with love and respect.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 describes love in a way that applies to dating relationships: “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.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
A relationship built on selfishness or manipulation is not honoring to God.
True love seeks the best for the other person and treats them with kindness.
Dating should be a time of learning how to encourage, respect, and care for one another in a way that reflects God’s love.
Honoring God in Communication
How a couple communicates can either strengthen or weaken a relationship.
Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Dating relationships should be filled with words that encourage, support, and bring peace.
Arguments will happen, but the Bible warns against speaking in anger.
Proverbs 15:1 reminds, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Couples who speak with patience and love will build a relationship that is strong and filled with grace.
Pray Together and Seek God’s Guidance
A strong relationship is one that invites God into every step.
James 1:5 encourages, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Praying together strengthens a relationship by keeping God at the center.
It also helps couples seek His guidance for their future.
Psalm 37:4-5 says, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”
When a couple prays together, they grow closer not only to God but also to each other.
Ending a Relationship When It Is Not Right
Not every dating relationship is meant to last forever.
Sometimes, God makes it clear that a relationship is not leading in the right direction.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
If a relationship is causing distance from God, lacks respect, or is unhealthy, it may be time to walk away.
Letting go of a relationship is not easy, but it is sometimes necessary.
Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Trusting God’s plan means being willing to let go of what is not right in order to make room for His best.
The Goal of a Godly Relationship
The ultimate goal of a godly relationship is to bring glory to God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
A dating relationship should not just be about feelings, attraction, or fun—it should be about honoring God.
This does not mean that relationships are not enjoyable, but it does mean that they should be approached with purpose.
When a couple puts God first, their relationship will be stronger, healthier, and filled with peace.
Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
A relationship that honors God will be filled with love, respect, and joy.
Final Thoughts
The Bible may not mention boyfriends and girlfriends directly, but it gives clear principles for relationships.
Love should be rooted in God, dating should be intentional, and couples should seek purity, respect, and kindness.
A relationship should draw both people closer to God, not further away.
Praying together, communicating with love, and seeking God’s guidance will help couples build a strong foundation.
Ultimately, relationships should bring honor to God and reflect His love.
By following biblical principles, dating can be a beautiful journey that leads to deeper faith and lasting love.