How Do I Make My Christian Dating Relationship Last?

I get a lot of emails asking questions

like, how do I make my Christian dating

relationship

last?

When you're dating in the Christian single scene

with marriage as the goal, you're essentially trying

to find someone who's not just your better

half, but your better three quarters.

It's about finding that partner with whom you

can not only share your favorite bible verses,

but also your WiFi password.

So how do you make a relationship last

in such a setting?

Let's dive into this not so mystical quest

with a lighthearted look at love,

faith, and everything in between.

One,

keep the faith and the fun.

First things first, keep God at the center.

It's a staple in Christian dating.

But let's not forget, God also created humor.

Think of your relationship as a duo at

a comedy club on open mic night.

Sometimes you're the audience. Sometimes you're the comedian.

The key is to laugh together and at

yourselves

often.

This keeps the journey light and the spirit

uplifted.

Two, pray together,

stay together.

They say a couple that prays together, stays

together.

Whether it's morning devotions or evening reflections,

make this a bonding ritual.

It's not just about seeking guidance, although that's

a big part of it, but also about

building an intimate space where you can share

your hopes, fears,

and the occasional, God, why can't he just

pick up his socks?

Three,

communication.

Divine intervention

not required.

While it's great to pray for a sign,

when it comes to communication,

divine intervention is usually not on speed dial.

Be open about your feelings, desires, and expectations.

Remember, the apostle Paul wasn't shy with his

letters and neither should you be in expressing

your thoughts and feelings.

Just maybe with fewer shipwrecks and snake bites.

Four, forgiveness.

More refreshing than Sunday brunch.

Let's be honest. Forgiving someone can sometimes feel

tougher than choosing between pancakes and waffles at

Sunday brunch.

However, forgiveness is crucial.

You're both human and mistakes are like bad

sermons. They happen.

The beauty is in learning to move past

them, not in keeping score.

Five, date night. Holy and wholesome.

Keep the flame alive with regular date nights.

These don't always have to be dinner and

a movie.

Try volunteering

together, exploring a biblical museum,

or participating in a church event.

It's about making memories in meaningful ways.

Think of it as building your own little

ark, just hopefully with fewer animals to clean

up after.

Six,

meet the flock.

Community engagement.

In Christian dating, it's often about more than

just two people.

Get involved with each other's church communities.

It's a great way to understand each other's

spiritual support systems and bonus,

you get to show off your significant other's

bake sale skills.

Seven,

boundaries.

Holy lines in the holy sand.

Set clear boundaries early on. Discuss your comfort

levels with different aspects of the relationship

From physical boundaries to how much time you

spend together.

Remember, even Moses had to lay down some

ground rules.

Eight,

future planning.

Noah's ark style.

Think about the future.

Where do you see yourselves after the I

do's?

Planning ahead can be both practical and exciting.

It's like building your very own ark. No

need for flood forecasts,

planning for a future together can make it

seem all the more real and attainable.

Nine, keep learning and growing.

Just like Sunday school, there's always something new

to learn about each other. Attend workshops, read

books,

and engage in conversations that challenge and grow

your faith and relationship.

It's about evolving both spiritually

and emotionally.

10.

Above all, love.

At the end of the day, let love

be the guiding principle.

As first Corinthians 13 beautifully puts it, love

is patient,

kind and doesn't envy.

Not even that couple that always seems to

have it together at church potlucks.

Embrace your journey together with all its imperfections

and grace.

Navigating Christian dating with the goal of marriage

can seem daunting, but remember,

it's about building a foundation that both faith

and love can stand firmly upon.

And as you walk this path, keep in

mind that it's okay to have a little

fun along the way. After all, even Jesus

enjoyed a good wedding.