Being a Christian single in the dating world and wanting to follow the rules set by God before us can be quite a daunting challenge. It is most often than not an easier thing to say rather than doing it. Part of the reason for the predicament is the fact that many Christian singles are unaware of the rules for Christian dating in the first place and therefore the need to follow such rules does not prop in their mind. Besides various sects amongst Christians following different routes probably have different guidelines leaving the “Christian single” doubly confused.
However it is to be remembered that following Christian dating rules is not rocket science nor is it an insurmountable proposition. It is the simple good parts of daily life that we are called to exercise in our dating life and which we ignore either consciously or in ignorance. In a bid to help fellow Christians the following rules which might have been heard of before but not practiced in reality may please be noted for good measure to brighten up not only your dating experience but also your Christian life in general.
(1) Keeping the faith by dating other fellow Christian singles
Dating a fellow Christian who can share your views is a much easier proposition compared to dating someone outside the community. It also helps in the fact that your faith gets stronger and the eagerness of marriage naturally follows the courtship due to the belief in the same goal and hopefully similar views on spirituality. For a non-Christian, dating a Christian it becomes difficult to understand the value system and the Christian single has to confront the prospect of handling different values while retaining the Christian faith.
(2) Define your limits
In the dating spirit, emotions galore and it can be difficult to retrace from a difficult position once you have failed to control yourself. It is therefore very important to stick to your preset limits else you could be open to the lures of the world. If dating as a couple is a problem, date amongst others or groups to help mitigate the problem. Revealing clothing or scanty dressing can be a challenge for self control and the mind can easily relent to pressure. As Christians we need to exercise maximum prudence in order to self discipline ourselves in pursuit of the larger goal of keeping our minds and bodies pure for the sacrament of marriage. Also keeping the mind pure is the source of all goodness. Deny the vain pleasure of thought at the first instance in the mind to rid of the problem travelling further to result in unbearable temptation.
(3) Seek the intervention of the Lord at all times
God looks after our every need for every second of our lives. We need to believe in this basic truth and also call unto him at all times. It is often possible that we forget our maker in the good times and when we are too happy in our lives. Such a situation could arise when we find a suitable Christian single leading us to forget God. We must look up to God at all times, whether good or bad and pray to him to grant us the desired strength to overcome all situations. Because for God nothing is impossible.
(4) Remain pure of body
The sin of the body is probably the toughest challenge among Christian dating rules and one can easily fall into temptations which can have far reaching consequences in life and after. The lure of sex before marriage is a temptation which all good Christians need to overcome with all their might. Preserving yourself and your body for the day of marriage to have sex with your partner is the perfect way to a healthy and loving relationship. Seek the strength of God to help you in this endeavor
(5) Enjoy your dating time
God wants you to be happy at all times and wants you to find the true joy in your dating life. So look at the positive things which God has granted to you such as a prospective partner who could share your life together with you for the rest of your life. Respect your Christian single partner and you will gain respect for yourself. Enjoy and take heart in little things that you do for each other. Converse at all times and remain true to each other by dismissing all other distractions while focusing only on your budding relationship. Get to know each other and find common ground to seal the relationship for a bond of marital bliss.
(6) Go your separate ways if necessary
Despite being in the groove of Christian dating rules, if you find that the Christian single that you are dating is not the right one for you, do not hesitate to call off the relationship. It is better to do it in the initial stages when you get a distinct feeling of incompatibility with your partner. However do it in a gentle way so that the other Christian single is not offended or hurt. Be persuasive and clearly explain the reasons for the decision. Do not give excuses. Give proper reasons which actually led you to the decision. However be diplomatic in the way you do it. Your primary concern should be to ensure that the opposite Christian single is not aggrieved by your decision.
Hopefully these Christian dating rules will help you in your dating life both for men dating a Christian woman or for women dating a Christian man. For a non Christian dating a Christian these rules could help in understanding the values of the Christian dating partner so that there is no ambiguity regarding the behavioral pattern of the Christian partner or his/her seemingly visible obsession with purity in Christian dating.
Hoping all Christian singles keep themselves pure of mind and heart in their dating life and go ahead to enjoy the bounty of a successful marriage.