“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” — Romans 12:9
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” — Colossians 3:17
For many young Christians today, dating and relationships can feel complicated and confusing.
You may ask:
How do I date in a way that honors God?
What does a Christ-centered relationship really look like?
How can I avoid compromise and stay rooted in my faith while dating?
In a culture that often promotes casual, self-centered, and short-term relationships, it can feel challenging to pursue love in a way that reflects God’s heart.
But here’s the truth:
Christ-centered dating is possible — and it is beautiful.
When you invite Jesus into your relationships, you discover a deeper kind of love:
One built on respect, trust, and shared purpose in Him.
Why pursue Christ-centered relationships?
Because dating is not just about finding someone who makes you feel good.
It’s about discerning whether this is someone with whom you can glorify God — in friendship, love, and possibly marriage.
God calls us to a higher standard:
“Be holy in all you do.” — 1 Peter 1:15
That includes how we date.
What does a Christ-centered relationship look like?
It’s not about perfection.
It’s about pursuing Jesus together.
Here are some key markers of a Christ-centered relationship:
🌿 Jesus is at the center — not on the sidelines.
You pray together.
You talk about your faith openly.
You encourage one another to grow spiritually.
Your shared faith is not an occasional topic — it is the foundation of your relationship.
🌿 Purity is prioritized.
God’s design for sexuality is good and beautiful — but meant to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage.
A Christ-centered couple pursues purity out of love for God and one another, not out of guilt or shame.
“Flee from sexual immorality… You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” — 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
This requires boundaries, accountability, and mutual respect.
🌿 The relationship is guided by prayer.
Decisions aren’t made on impulse or emotions alone.
You seek God’s wisdom and guidance together.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5
Pray about your relationship.
Ask God to lead you clearly.
🌿 Growth is prioritized over comfort.
A Christ-centered relationship isn’t about coasting spiritually.
It’s about sharpening one another and pushing one another toward greater love, faith, and purpose.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17
You encourage each other’s callings.
You spur one another on toward godliness.
🌿 Community and accountability are embraced.
You don’t isolate your relationship.
You seek the input of trusted mentors, spiritual leaders, and friends.
Healthy Christian relationships flourish within community, not in hidden secrecy.
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” — Proverbs 15:22
If you are dating, or considering dating, pursue a relationship where Christ is truly the center.
Don’t settle for relationships that pull you away from God.
Don’t compromise your values for fleeting attraction.
Trust that God can write your love story in a way that brings Him glory — and brings you joy.
And remember: the goal of Christian dating is not dating itself.
It is discerning whether this is someone with whom you can pursue a lifetime of glorifying God together.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31
Planted With Purpose 
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