Relationships before marriage can be exciting, challenging, and full of emotions.
People often wonder what the Bible says about dating, love, and how to honor God in relationships.
While the Bible does not mention dating in modern terms, it provides wisdom on how to navigate relationships before marriage.
God cares about how people treat each other, how they prepare for marriage, and how they remain pure in their intentions.
Understanding biblical principles can help guide relationships toward love, respect, and God’s plan.
The Purpose of Relationships Before Marriage
The Bible teaches that relationships should have a purpose.
In Genesis 2:18, God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.
I will make a helper suitable for him.”
From the beginning, relationships were designed with a goal in mind—to lead to marriage and companionship.
Modern dating often focuses on personal happiness, but biblical relationships focus on commitment and God’s design.
Proverbs 19:2 warns, “Desire without knowledge is not good—how much more will hasty feet miss the way!”
Entering a relationship without purpose can lead to heartache and confusion.
God’s plan is for relationships to be intentional, preparing two people for a lifelong covenant in marriage.
Pursuing Purity in Relationships
Purity is a central theme in the Bible when it comes to 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 calls people to honor Him with their bodies and minds, keeping relationships free from impurity.
Sex is a gift from God, designed for marriage, and meant to deepen the bond between husband and wife.
Hebrews 13:4 says, “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
The world often encourages casual relationships and physical intimacy before marriage, but God’s design is different.
Remaining pure allows couples to build a strong foundation of trust, respect, and spiritual unity.
Avoiding Temptation and Setting Boundaries
Relationships before marriage require wisdom and boundaries.
Temptation is real, and the Bible warns about its dangers.
1 Corinthians 6:18 advises, “Flee from sexual immorality.
All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
God does not just say to resist temptation but to flee from it.
This means avoiding situations that can lead to compromise.
Setting boundaries helps protect a relationship from going down the wrong path.
This might include limiting time alone in private places, being mindful of physical affection, and surrounding the relationship with accountability.
Proverbs 4:23 encourages, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Being cautious with emotions and physical actions ensures that a relationship remains God-honoring.
Honoring God Through Commitment and Respect
The Bible emphasizes respect and love in relationships.
Ephesians 5:25 teaches, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
While this verse speaks about marriage, it also shows how relationships should be built on selfless love and care.
A healthy relationship before marriage should reflect God’s love, treating each other with kindness and respect.
Colossians 3:12-14 says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
When relationships are rooted in respect, they prepare both individuals for a strong marriage.
Seeking God First in Relationships
One of the most important biblical principles for relationships before marriage is seeking God first.
Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
When God is at the center of a relationship, everything else falls into place.
A relationship should not take priority over one’s relationship with God.
Instead, it should draw both people closer to Him.
Praying together, studying the Bible, and attending church can strengthen a couple’s spiritual bond.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
When God is the third strand in a relationship, it becomes stronger and more unshakable.
Avoiding Unequal Yoking
The Bible warns against being unequally yoked.
2 Corinthians 6:14 says, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.
For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?
Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
Being in a relationship with someone who does not share the same faith can create spiritual struggles.
It can lead to compromises in values, priorities, and faithfulness to God.
God desires unity in relationships, especially in marriage.
Amos 3:3 asks, “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?”
Choosing a partner who loves and follows God is important for a healthy and faith-filled relationship.
Trusting God’s Timing and Plan
Many people feel pressure to be in a relationship, fearing they will miss out or be alone.
But the Bible encourages patience and trust in God’s plan.
Psalm 37:4 says, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
When a person focuses on loving God first, He aligns their desires with His will.
Rushing into a relationship without seeking God’s guidance can lead to heartache.
Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
God’s timing is perfect, and waiting for His best is always worth it.
Learning and Growing in Singleness
Before entering a relationship, the Bible encourages personal growth and contentment in singleness.
1 Corinthians 7:32-34 explains that singleness allows a person to focus on God without distraction.
While relationships are a blessing, being single is not a burden.
It is a time to develop faith, serve others, and grow spiritually.
Paul, one of the greatest figures in the Bible, remained single and dedicated his life to God’s work.
Instead of rushing into relationships, people can use their single years to deepen their relationship with God, prepare for the future, and learn what it means to love selflessly.
Final Thoughts
The Bible provides wisdom and guidance for relationships before marriage.
God’s design is for relationships to be purposeful, pure, and centered on Him.
While the world promotes casual dating and self-focused love, the Bible encourages commitment, respect, and seeking God first.
Avoiding temptation, setting boundaries, and choosing a partner who shares the same faith are essential for a healthy relationship.
Trusting God’s plan and timing leads to relationships that honor Him and prepare couples for a strong and lasting marriage.
No matter where a person is in their relationship journey, God’s wisdom is available to guide them toward His best.