The Bible records beautiful love stories— Jacob and Rachel, Boaz and Ruth, Joseph and Mary—but dating as we know it is a modern practice. Since it powerfully shapes hearts and futures, it must be governed by God’s timeless principles.
D—Determine. Decide whom you will serve (Joshua 24:15). Before you ever date, decide who rules your life. If Christ is not the center of your life before dating, He will not suddenly become Lord afterward (Matthew 6:33). Settle this first.
A—Ask. “Why should I obey God?” Because His commands are for our good. When He says “do,” He is protecting joy; when He says “do not,” He is preventing heartache. Why date? Not for prestige, jealousy, or sex (Galatians 5:19–21), but for friendship and maturity, and eventually for finding a godly marriage partner. What are my limits? Purity survives only where limits exist (1 Corinthians 6:18).
T—Time. Take time for God (Ephesians 5:16). Pray for wisdom (James 1:5).
I—Influence. Help one another grow closer to Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:33).
N—Name. Keep your reputation. “Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Dates plant seeds— habits, memories, expectations.
G—Glory. Ask, “What honors God?” not “How far can we go?” God’s way is not restrictive—it is protective. Choose purity, honor Christ, and let Him guide the process and the future.
