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What Does the Bible Say About Relationships Before Marriage? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Relationships Before Marriage?

Introduction

The Bible has much to say about relationships before marriage, and as Christians, it is important to understand God’s perspective on this important topic.

With so many different viewpoints and cultural influences, it can be challenging to know how to approach dating and relationships in a way that honors God and aligns with His plan.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about relationships before marriage, including God’s design for marriage and relationships, the concept of dating in the Bible, sexual purity before marriage, the importance of communication and honesty, the significance of commitment, the role of community in relationships, and more.

We will delve into the wisdom and guidance that the Bible offers and how we can apply these principles in our own lives and relationships.

Whether you are single and looking for guidance on how to approach dating and relationships or are already in a relationship and seeking to honor God with your decisions, this blog post will provide valuable insights and practical tips on how to follow God’s plan for relationships before marriage.

relationships before marriage in the Bible

God’s Design for Marriage and Relationships

God created marriage and relationships, and He has a specific plan for how they should function. The Bible teaches us that marriage is a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6).

Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church, and wives are called to submit to their husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33). Relationships should be built on love, respect, and mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21).

We need to understand that God’s design for marriage is not just a physical union, but also a spiritual one. In Ephesians 5:31-32, Paul describes how marriage reflects the relationship between Christ and His church.

Just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so husbands should love their wives sacrificially. Likewise, wives should submit to their husbands as to the Lord.

This does not mean that wives are inferior to their husbands, but rather that they should willingly follow their husband’s leadership in the same way that the church follows Christ’s leadership.

To build a strong marriage and relationship that reflects God’s design, we need to prioritize love, respect, and mutual submission. This means putting the needs of our spouse before our own, communicating openly and honestly, and seeking to build each other up in the Lord.

By following God’s plan for marriage and relationships, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from a Christ-centered union.

The Concept of Dating in the Bible

The Bible does not provide a specific blueprint for dating as we know it today, but it does offer principles that can guide us. The Bible teaches us that we should avoid sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18) and flee from temptation (2 Timothy 2:22).

We should also seek wise counsel from others (Proverbs 11:14) and guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23).

We need to understand that dating is a modern concept, and the Bible does not specifically address it. However, the principles of purity, wisdom, and discernment can be applied to modern dating relationships. As Christians, we need to guard our hearts and minds and seek to honor God in all that we do.

This means avoiding sexual immorality and pursuing relationships that honor God and build us up in the faith.

Dating can be a valuable tool for getting to know someone and discerning whether they would make a good spouse. However, it can also be a source of temptation and distraction from our relationship with God.

As Christians, we need to approach dating with wisdom and discernment, seeking God’s guidance and following His plan for our lives.

Sexual Purity Before Marriage

The Bible is clear that sex is intended for marriage only (Hebrews 13:4). Fornication and adultery are both condemned in the Bible (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). As Christians, we are called to flee from sexual immorality and to maintain sexual purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5).

We need to understand that sexual purity is a command from God, not a suggestion. The Bible teaches us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and we are called to honor God with our bodies.

This means abstaining from sexual activity outside of marriage and seeking to maintain purity in our thoughts and actions.

Maintaining sexual purity before marriage can be a challenge in our culture, which often promotes sexual promiscuity and immorality. However, as Christians, we are called to live differently from the world and to follow God’s plan for our lives.

This means making a commitment to sexual purity and seeking God’s help in overcoming temptation.

Practical tips for maintaining sexual purity include setting clear boundaries in dating relationships, avoiding situations that could lead to temptation, and seeking accountability from other believers.

By prioritizing sexual purity and seeking to honor God in all that we do, we can experience the blessings that come from a life lived according to His plan.

The Importance of Communication and Honesty

Communication and honesty are essential for building healthy relationships. The Bible teaches us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and to avoid deceit and dishonesty (Proverbs 12:22). We should also be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry (James 1:19).

We need to understand that communication is more than just talking. It also involves active listening, understanding, and empathy. In order to build strong relationships, we need to prioritize communication and seek to understand our partner’s perspective.

This means listening without judgment, asking questions, and seeking to build bridges of understanding.

Honesty is also essential for building healthy relationships. This means being truthful and transparent in our words and actions. We should avoid deceit and manipulation and seek to build trust with our partners through honesty and integrity.

By prioritizing communication and honesty, we can build strong relationships that are built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

The Significance of Commitment

Commitment is an important aspect of any relationship, especially in marriage. The Bible teaches us to keep our vows (Psalm 50:14) and to be faithful to our commitments (Matthew 5:37). We should also be willing to forgive and work through difficulties in our relationships (Colossians 3:13).

We need to understand that commitment is a choice, not a feeling. It means being willing to stick with our partner through thick and thin and to work through challenges and difficulties together. This means putting the needs of our partner before our own, and seeking to build each other up in the Lord.

In marriage, commitment means being willing to love our spouse sacrificially, just as Christ loved the church. This means being willing to put our partner’s needs before our own and seeking to serve them in love.

By prioritizing commitment and seeking to honor our vows, we can build strong marriages that reflect God’s design and bring glory to His name.

The Role of Community in Relationships

Community is important for building healthy relationships. The Bible teaches us to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and to encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11). We should also seek accountability and support from other believers (Hebrews 10:24-25).

We need to understand that we were not meant to live in isolation. God designed us for community and fellowship, and we are called to support and encourage one another in our relationships.

This means being willing to share our struggles and challenges with others and seeking wise counsel and support from those who are further along in their walk with Christ.

In addition to seeking support and accountability from others, we can also play an active role in building healthy relationships within our communities. This means being willing to mentor and disciple others and to serve as a positive example of what a healthy relationship looks like.

By prioritizing community and seeking to build relationships that reflect God’s love and grace, we can create a strong support network that will help us navigate the challenges of life and relationships.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible offers timeless wisdom and guidance on the topic of relationships before marriage. As Christians, it is important to prioritize God’s plan for our relationships and to seek to honor Him in all that we do.

We need to understand that healthy relationships are built on a foundation of love, respect, and mutual submission and that sexual purity, communication, honesty, and commitment are essential for building strong and lasting relationships.

By following the principles and guidance that the Bible offers, we can experience the blessings of healthy relationships that honor God and bring joy and fulfillment to our lives.

This means seeking wisdom and discernment in our dating relationships, maintaining sexual purity, communicating honestly and openly, and committing to our relationships with love and sacrifice.

We also need to prioritize community and seek accountability and support from other believers, as we strive to build healthy and God-honoring relationships.

As we seek to follow God’s plan for relationships before marriage, let us remember that we are not alone. God is with us every step of the way, and He has given us His Word and the Holy Spirit to guide us in our relationships.

Let us seek His wisdom and guidance, and trust in His plan for our lives and relationships. May our relationships be a reflection of God’s love and grace, and may we seek to honor Him in all that we do.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.