Having a crush is a natural part of life.
At some point, almost everyone experiences feelings of admiration or attraction toward someone else.
Whether it’s a school crush, a celebrity crush, or feelings for a close friend, crushes can be exciting but also confusing.
The emotions can be intense, and it can be hard to know what to do with them.
But does the Bible say anything about crushes?
While the word “crush” is not found in Scripture, the Bible has plenty to say about love, emotions, and how to handle romantic feelings in a way that honors God.
By looking at biblical principles, we can learn how to navigate these feelings wisely.
The Difference Between a Crush and True Love
A crush can feel powerful, but it is often based on emotions rather than deep commitment.
It is easy to be attracted to someone’s looks, personality, or talents without truly knowing their character.
The Bible describes love as something much deeper.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 gives a clear definition of love:
“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.”
This kind of love is not based on emotions alone—it is rooted in selflessness, patience, and commitment.
A crush, on the other hand, is usually based on excitement and attraction, but it may not have the depth needed for a lasting relationship.
This does not mean crushes are bad, but it does mean they should be handled with wisdom.
Guarding Your Heart
When feelings for someone grow strong, it is easy to become consumed by emotions.
Thinking about them constantly, imagining a future together, or feeling disappointed when they don’t notice you can be overwhelming.
That is why the Bible encourages people to guard their hearts.
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
This does not mean shutting down emotions, but it does mean being careful not to let them control your life.
A crush should not become an obsession.
When emotions take over, it can lead to unwise decisions or distractions from more important things, like faith, school, family, and personal growth.
Instead of letting a crush take center stage, it is important to stay grounded in God’s truth.
Seeking God’s Guidance in Your Feelings
Feelings can be confusing, and not every crush is meant to turn into a relationship.
That is why seeking God’s guidance is essential.
James 1:5 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom: “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 about emotions and asking God for clarity can bring peace and direction.
It is also helpful to seek advice from trusted Christians—parents, mentors, or youth leaders—who can provide godly perspective.
Sometimes, feelings for someone may be a passing phase, while other times, they may develop into something deeper.
Trusting God with those emotions ensures they are handled in a way that honors Him.
Avoiding Idolatry in Relationships
A crush can easily become all-consuming, where the person is put on a pedestal and thought about constantly.
This can become a form of idolatry.
Exodus 20:3 states, “You shall have no other gods before me.”
While a crush is not a literal idol, it can take up so much emotional energy that it distracts from a relationship with God.
Jesus teaches in Matthew 22:37, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
God should always be first in a person’s life, even when romantic feelings are involved.
Keeping Him at the center helps keep emotions in balance.
Honoring God in Your Thoughts and Actions
It is normal to think about someone you have feelings for, but those thoughts should remain pure.
Philippians 4:8 gives wise instruction:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Dwelling on fantasies or impure thoughts can lead to temptation.
Instead, it is important to focus on what is good and right in God’s eyes.
This also applies to actions.
If a crush turns into a dating relationship, it should be approached with purity and respect.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 states, “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.”
This reminds believers that romantic relationships should reflect God’s standards, not the world’s expectations.
Contentment in Singleness
Sometimes, a crush does not lead to a relationship, and that can be disappointing.
But the Bible encourages believers to find contentment in every season, including singleness.
1 Corinthians 7:32 states, “I would like you to be free from concern.
An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord.”
Singleness is not a waiting period—it is an opportunity to grow in faith, serve others, and discover personal strengths.
Rushing into relationships out of loneliness or impatience can lead to heartache.
Trusting in God’s timing allows love to develop naturally when the time is right.
Recognizing the Difference Between Infatuation and Love
Many crushes are built on infatuation—a temporary attraction based on emotions.
True love, as the Bible describes it, is deeper and more meaningful.
1 John 4:7-8 says, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.
Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
Love is patient, kind, and selfless.
It is not based on fleeting feelings but on a commitment to care for and respect someone.
While crushes can be fun and exciting, they should not be confused with the kind of deep love that builds strong relationships.
Final Thoughts
Crushes are a normal part of life, but they must be handled with wisdom.
The Bible teaches that emotions should be guided by God’s truth, not by impulse.
Guarding the heart, seeking God’s guidance, and keeping priorities in the right order help prevent crushes from becoming distractions or idols.
Romantic feelings are not bad, but they should never take the place of a relationship with God.
When handled with wisdom and prayer, crushes can be an opportunity to learn more about relationships, self-control, and God’s plan for love.
At the right time, and in the right way, love will come—until then, trusting God’s timing is the best way to navigate emotions with peace and confidence.