Shayla: May a Christian date a non-Christian?

Meforshim:

It would be unwise to date someone who does not share the same fundamental beliefs you do. How can a Christian be a partner with one who doesn't believe?

• Amos 3:3 HCSB Can two walk together without agreeing to meet?

Why would you date someone you cannot marry? It is not only unwise to date someone who doesn't love God, it is a direct violation of God’s command.

• 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 HCSB Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? 15 What agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

Date people who will help you pursue tzedekah (righteousness). Date those who, like you, call on the Lord from a pure heart.

• 2 Timothy 2:22 HCSB Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

God very likely has a mate for you since the majority of us were created to be sexual as well as social creatures (Genesis 2:18). Some of us have the gift of celibacy but not many.

• Matthew 19:10-12 HCSB His disciples said to Him, "If the relationship of a man with his wife is like this, it's better not to marry!" (11) But He told them, "Not everyone can accept this saying, but only those it has been given to. (12) For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother's womb, there are eunuchs who were made by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves that way because of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can."
• 1 Corinthians 7:7 HCSB I wish that all people were just like me. But each has his own gift from God, one this and another that.

Don’t settle for second best. Don’t start dating a Lowlander (unbeliever) because you are impatient or physically attracted to him. Instead, ask the Lord for a mate.

• Proverbs 19:14 HCSB A house and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a sensible wife is from the LORD.

God will give you your heart's desires. He knows what those are better than you do.

• Psalms 37:4 HCSB Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart's desires.
• Matthew 6:8 HCSB Don't be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask Him.