Topical Encyclopedia
Dating intimacy, within the context of Christian relationships, refers to the emotional and physical closeness shared between individuals who are romantically involved but not yet married. The Bible provides principles that guide believers in maintaining purity and honoring God in their relationships.
Biblical Principles of PurityThe Bible emphasizes the importance of purity and holiness in all aspects of life, including romantic relationships. In
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 , Paul writes, "For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God." This passage underscores the call for believers to exercise self-control and to avoid sexual immorality, which is often associated with premarital intimacy.
Guarding the HeartProverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." In the context of dating, this means being cautious about emotional attachments and ensuring that one's affections align with God's will. Emotional intimacy can lead to physical intimacy, so it is important to set boundaries that protect both individuals' hearts and maintain the relationship's purity.
The Role of Love and RespectEphesians 5:3 states, "But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed." This verse highlights the need for love and respect in relationships, where both parties honor each other by avoiding actions that could lead to impurity. True love, as described in
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 , is patient, kind, and does not seek its own way, which implies that love respects boundaries and seeks the best for the other person.
Accountability and CommunityThe Bible encourages believers to live in community and hold each other accountable.
Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." In dating, involving trusted friends or mentors can provide guidance and accountability, helping couples to maintain their commitment to purity.
Avoiding Temptation1 Corinthians 6:18 instructs, "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body." This directive to flee from temptation suggests that believers should avoid situations that could lead to compromising their values. Establishing clear boundaries and avoiding secluded or tempting environments can help couples honor God in their relationship.
The Purpose of DatingFrom a biblical perspective, dating should be purposeful, with the ultimate goal of discerning whether the relationship should lead to marriage.
Genesis 2:24 provides the foundational principle for marriage: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." Dating, therefore, is a time to evaluate compatibility and shared values, always with the intention of honoring God and preparing for a potential lifelong commitment.
Topical Bible Verses
Hebrews 13:4Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
Topicalbible.org1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man does is without the body; but he that commits fornication sins against his own body.
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1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication:
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Colossians 3:5
Mortify therefore your members which are on the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
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Library
In Judaea
... the most interesting, though tangled, apocalyptic literature,dating from that... shows,
frequently recurring, curious instances of Rabbinicalintimacy with their...
Chapter v
... we have, which actually purports to be an adequate chronologydating back to... to live."
The particular preposition used, eth, denotes "intimacy, fellowship" (BDB...
The First Theban Empire
... is still one of the best-preserved specimens of military architecturedating from
the... with them alone; yet neither do thou admit to thyintimacy chance-comers...
Hymns of Praise and Worship.
... tradition has dramatized the story of the birth of the "Te Deum,"dating it on an...
not a great genius, his talents procured him access and evenintimacy in the...
The Paschal Supper - the Institution of the Lord's Supper.
... his hand, rested, in the absolute surrender of love andintimacy born of... regard it
as an Ephesian product of symbolico-sacramentarian tendency,dating from the...
The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... Medes, and probably against the kings of Urartu as well, and theintimacy between
the... of Asia in a state of terror for twenty-eight years,dating from their...
Another Wonderful Record of 25.
... He therefore wrote a receipt in full of all accounts against the man, anddating
it in the woods, where he had prayed, signed it with his own name....
Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of...
... We shall see presently that this rupture with the consistent Arians is a matter
of some importance for thedating of Hilary's De Trinitate; for the present we...
The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9. <....
Resources
What are the works of the devil in 1 John 3:8? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was betrothal in biblical times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about overthinking? | GotQuestions.orgEngaged: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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