How Should Christians Approach Dating Today?

How Should Christians Approach Dating Today?

Dating culture has changed dramatically — and most Christians are trying to navigate it with advice that was written for a different era. This episode gives you something more useful.

In this episode, I break down how to approach dating as a Christian in today's culture, what the Bible says about romantic relationships, and how to pursue a relationship in a way that honors God without being naive.

In this episode:
• Why the dating landscape has changed and what that means for Christians trying to pursue relationships faithfully
• What the Bible establishes as the non-negotiables for romantic relationships — even when culture disagrees
• How to pursue dating with wisdom, clarity, and genuine godliness in a world that makes that harder every year

Walk & Warfare exists to answer the hard questions about faith, suffering, doubt, salvation, and what it actually looks like to follow Christ in the world we live in today. No fluff. No performance. Just real biblical answers for real people.

Anthony Jennings founded Walk & Warfare to give believers — and seekers — a place to wrestle honestly with the Bible and come out with something they can stand on.

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Transcript

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Dating can feel complicated in today's world. Many people want a meaningful relationship. They want love, companionship, and eventually marriage. But at the same time, modern dating culture can feel confusing. People often wonder how faith should shape the way they approach relationships. Should dating look different for a Christian, and if so, how? The Bible does not give a detailed step-by-step guide for dating, but it does give principles that help shape how relationships should be approached. One of the most important foundations is understanding the purpose of relationships. For Christians, romantic relationships are not simply about feelings or attraction. They are meant to move towards something deeper, a covenant relationship that reflects love, commitment, and faithfulness. Genesis 224 describes the design for marriage this way: a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Marriage was created to be a lifelong partnership. Because of that, dating for a Christian is not simply casual entertainment. It is a process of discerning whether a relationship could move toward a healthy and God-honoring marriage. Another important principle is spiritual alignment. 2 Corinthians 6.14 says, Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. This verse speaks about the importance of shared spiritual direction. When two people are walking in different directions spiritually, the relationship often becomes difficult over time. Shared faith creates a foundation where both people are seeking to follow Christ together. Character also matters deeply in relationships. In a world that often emphasizes appearance or status, the Bible consistently points to the heart. Proverbs 4.23 says, Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Healthy relationships grow when both people value integrity, humility, and spiritual growth. Another important part of dating is patience. Modern culture often moves relationships very quickly, but wisdom often develops slowly. Taking time to truly know someone helps reveal their character, their priorities, and the direction of their life. Over the years I've seen that strong relationships are often built on friendship first, mutual respect, shared values, and a genuine desire to grow in faith together. Dating should not be driven by pressure or fear of being alone. Instead, it becomes healthier when both people approach it with wisdom and prayer. James 1.5 gives this encouragement. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach. God cares about the relationships in our lives, and when we seek his guidance, he helps us develop the wisdom needed to approach them thoughtfully. Dating in today's world may feel complicated, but when relationships are shaped by patience, faith, and a desire to honor God, they can become part of the way God leads people toward healthy and meaningful partnerships.