Dating is a popular activity among teenagers and young adults, but what does the Bible say about children dating? As a text that has been around for centuries, the Bible has much to say about relationships and how we should conduct ourselves in them.
While the Bible does not have a specific verse about children dating, it does provide guidance on how we should approach relationships in general. Here are a few key principles that can be applied to children dating:
- Guard your heart
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” This verse encourages us to be careful about what we allow into our hearts and minds. Children should be mindful of the influence that dating can have on their emotions and behavior. They should guard their hearts and make sure that they are not being led astray by their feelings.
- Honor your parents
Ephesians 6:1-3 says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Children who want to date should honor their parents and seek their guidance and approval.
- Seek God’s will
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “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.” Children who want to date should seek God’s will and guidance in their relationships. They should pray and ask for wisdom and discernment as they navigate the ups and downs of dating.
- Avoid sexual immorality
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 says, “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” Children who are dating should avoid sexual immorality and honor God with their bodies.
- Pursue purity
1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” Children who want to date should pursue purity in their relationships. They should strive to honor God with their words and actions and maintain a relationship that is pleasing to him.
In conclusion, while the Bible does not have a specific verse about children dating, it does provide guidance on how we should approach relationships in general. Children should guard their hearts, honor their parents, seek God’s will, avoid sexual immorality, and pursue purity. By following these principles, children can have healthy and God-honoring relationships as they grow and mature.