Christian Dating

 Dating is something that is very important to many people.  Some do it just to have fun and to meet other people and others do it to find someone they can spend the rest of their life with.  Not matter what your reasons are for wanting to date there are many different opportunities to learn and to grow.  The extent to which you follow any advice is, of course, based on your own interpretations and how you feel to best govern your life. 

One way that people choose who they are going to date is by their religious affiliation.  Religion is very important to many people and they believe that it is important to date those who have similar views and beliefs.  Christian dating is one of the categories that gets a lot of attention.  Christian dating is very concerned about meeting the right people so that the relationship can be strong and also so that it can be the right type of relationship from the very beginning so that it will last longer and be happier.  There are many places you can find advice on Christian dating and what is best to do when you are looking for someone to date.  There are many things that are advised of Christians so that they can get the most out of a dating relationship.  Not preaching is one of the first pieces of advice that are given.  It is fine to let people know that you are Christian and that you have certain beliefs.  Sometimes people are very interested in things like this and would enjoy talking about it, but make sure that you don't preach to someone who doesn't want to hear it.  After all, if you are dating other Christian people, you should be getting to know each other too and not just talking about what you believe.  There are many other things other than religious beliefs that will lead to a good relationship and one of them is being able to communicate well and to share part of yourself.  If having religion in your life is very important to you and sharing beliefs about God and religion is important, then you should simply avoid dating unbelievers.  This may sound heartless and mean, but you may not be able to change the way that someone has lived and believed their whole life.  Of course there are exceptions, but the general rule is that if they don't have at least a base of Christian belief, you should probably steer clear.  If you aren't sure whether someone is a believer or not, it certainly doesn't hurt to go out a few times, but this should give you enough time and enough conversations to find out if you are willing to pursue a serious relationship.   

 Finding someone to date who shares the same beliefs is often difficult for many people or they are just not comfortable asking the hard questions to find out what a person believes.  So try a site that is specifically dedicated to Christian dating and you might be surprised what you find.  There are many sites that are specifically dedicated to people who want to find other Christians to date and to meet.  There is nothing wrong with meeting people online and they really are people too.  Many sites have features built into them that make it more secure and safe to meet people online.  Of course you should still follow your intuition and make decisions based on what you feel and know in your heart.  Christian sites offer many different options and depending on where you live, you may even be able to find a local one that only has people from your area, making it easier and more convenient to meet people in person.  You should check out several sites before you make a final decision about where you plan on meeting someone.  You never know where you will find the person that is right for you to date and maybe even to marry someday.  Christian dating sites come in a wide variety and are focused on very different things.  Some are more concerned about the relationship and less on Christian values and some stress the importance of being Christian in all things.  Your decision should be based on your personal beliefs and what you are hoping to get out of the relationship. 

One of the most important things you can do while looking for another Christian to date is to be honest with yourself and what your expectations are.  You need to be dating someone that you would be proud to introduce to your friends and family and not someone that you would want to hide or would be ashamed of because of their belief.  If there is anything that would make you feel like you need to defend them from your family and congregation, then it may not be the best choice.  Sometimes people around you can see more clearly than you can because you are actually in the relationship.  As a Christian you also know that giving into lust and intimacy is wrong and should be avoided at all costs.  Dating only to satisfy this urge is inappropriate and if this is what you have in mind then you should reevaluate your intentions and what you expect out of any relationship.  It is sometimes difficult to avoid temptation especially when you are in a compromising situation.  The best Christians would eventually succumb if they were in a bad situation for too long together. Don't give into weakness especially if you really love the person you are dating because saving your virtue is one of the best ways you can show someone you love them.  You should choose to date in places that are public or even occasionally go with other people.  You should also avoid visiting your date's home for an extended period of time as this could lead to problems. 

 Commitment is something that is very important in relationships in general and especially Christian relationships.  Proverbs 4:23 says "Guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."  This is exceptional advice for anyone who is offering up their heart in a relationship.  This is the best advice you can have for dating and relationships and it will also become part of your marriage and everything else you choose to do.  A few dates may not allow you to be completely committed to anyone so you need to really try and get to know each other over a period of time.  You also need to remain committed to your religion and faith so that you can always live the best life for yourself and your partner.  You should never abandon what you hold most dear in your heart - your faith - for anyone else.  The fact that they would even consider this would be necessary hints that they may not be truly committed to you or what you believe. 

Whenever you are choosing who you want to date or even to enter into a relationship with you should seek the guidance of God in your decision.  This will allow you to be sure that you are making the best decision.  Pray to God for guidance and he will direct you on what you should do.  Open your heart to Him in prayer and He will point you in the right direction.  You have a better opportunity of finding the person that is right for you if you follow the advice given and trust God and what he has in store for you. 

Cleanliness is also something that is very important to make sure you incorporate into your dating and your life in general.  Cleanliness in close to godliness is certainly a true expression and will also help you fell better about yourself and the choices you make.  You should always be sure to bathe and to comb your hear.  Personal hygiene shows that you are committed to keeping yourself clean and to respecting the body that God has given you.  You should also brush your teeth and use deodorant so that you are not offensive.  Make sure that you are clean in every aspect of your persona so that you can impress your date and show respect.  You should also make sure that you have clean clothing on.  If you are going to be driving or inviting your date to your home or apartment, you should also make sure that they are clean and presentable.  This is also a good habit to get into whether someone is going to be coming over or riding in your car with you anyway.  No matter what your choices end up being or what you are looking for in the first place, there are many ways that you can find what you are looking for by dating other Christians.  Be sure to make choices that you will be proud of and will never regret especially when you are representing the name of Christ or the church.