Kingdom Dating

Let’s be honest, dating is extremely challenging in today’s society, and it is almost impossible to find a mate if you’re a Christian. To be honest, dating is not Biblical, which is why we probably get it so wrong! As a Christian, God has called us to either marry, or to be single. No matter what God has called us for, it is ALWAYS for His purposes and for His glory. If God has called for you to marry, dating………..or courting in a way that aligns with Him, is crucial. If you have found yourself being discouraged, I get it. However, I would like to offer you some Godly advice on how to go about this in a way that brings glory to God’s Kingdom. Print this list out, take a screen shot……….. do whatever you need to do, so that this list can be at your access as you go about preparing yourself for a Kingdom Marriage.

“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” 2 Corinthians 6:14 NIV

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14 NIV

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms 37:4 NIV

PREPARATION

1. Seek God's Guidance: Begin by committing your dating journey to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to guide you, reveal His will, and grant you wisdom and discernment. Surrender your desires and expectations to Him, trusting that He knows what is best for you.

2. Develop a Strong Prayer Life: Cultivate a consistent and intimate prayer life. Set aside dedicated time to pray for your dating life, asking God for guidance, clarity, and protection. Invite the Holy Spirit to lead you in your decisions and reveal any red flags or warning signs.

3. Listen to the Holy Spirit: Be attuned to the promptings of the Holy Spirit as you interact with potential partners. Pay attention to your intuition and any convictions that may arise. The Holy Spirit often speaks through a sense of peace or unease, prompting you to move forward or exercise caution.

4. Seek Wise Counsel: Surround yourself with trusted mentors, friends, or spiritual leaders who can provide guidance and accountability. Seek their wisdom and perspective on potential relationships and be open to their insights and advice. They can help you discern whether a relationship aligns with God's will and your values.

5. Evaluate Alignment with God's Word: Regularly assess the compatibility of your potential partner's beliefs, values, and lifestyle with your own. Study and meditate on God's Word to understand His principles for relationships and marriage. If there are significant differences or conflicts, prayerfully consider the long-term implications and seek God's guidance.

6. Observe Fruitfulness: Look for evidence of spiritual fruit in the life of your potential partner. Consider their character, integrity, and commitment to following Christ. Pay attention to how they treat others, their involvement in a church community, and their pursuit of personal growth and holiness.

7. Take Time for Reflection: Before making any major decisions, take time to reflect and seek God's confirmation. Step back from the emotions and excitement of a new relationship to evaluate its alignment with God's will. Pray for clarity and peace and be willing to walk away if necessary.

Remember, prayer and discernment are ongoing processes throughout the dating journey. Trust in God's perfect timing and rely on His guidance as you seek a partner who will help you grow in your faith and fulfill God's purpose for your life.

Evaluating the alignment of a potential partner's beliefs, values, and lifestyle with one's own is crucial for several reasons:

CONNECTING

1. Spiritual Compatibility: As a Christian, your faith is a fundamental aspect of your life. It shapes your worldview, values, and decisions. Evaluating the alignment of your potential partner's beliefs with your own ensures that you share a common foundation of faith. This compatibility is vital for fostering spiritual growth, supporting each other in times of need, and building a relationship centered on Christ.

2. Shared Values: Values are principles that guide our behavior and shape our priorities. They influence how we handle relationships, pursue goals, and make decisions. When evaluating a potential partner's values, it is important to ensure that they align with your own. Shared values create a strong foundation for a healthy and fulfilling relationship, as they provide a common understanding of what is important and valuable in life.

3. Relationship Dynamics: Evaluating the alignment of beliefs, values, and lifestyle helps determine the compatibility of a potential partner in terms of relationship dynamics. Differences in core beliefs and values can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings, making it challenging to build a harmonious and supportive partnership. When both partners share similar beliefs and values, it becomes easier to navigate challenges, make decisions together, and grow together in a mutually fulfilling relationship.

4. Long-Term Compatibility: Considering the alignment of beliefs, values, and lifestyle is essential for assessing long-term compatibility. Marriage is a lifelong commitment, and having a strong foundation of shared beliefs and values significantly contributes to a successful and fulfilling partnership. Evaluating compatibility early on helps prevent potential conflicts and challenges that may arise in the future.

5. Spiritual Growth: A partner who shares your beliefs, values, and lifestyle can positively contribute to your spiritual growth. They can support and encourage you in your faith journey, pray with you, and participate in spiritual activities together. Having a partner who shares your commitment to spiritual growth can deepen your relationship with God and help you both grow closer to Him.