Today’s post begins a new series dealing with tough questions. I depend on you, my dear readers, to give feedback concerning your thoughts on the topics presented. Typically, I share experiences and my take on the subject matter. But, for these posts, I will not share any experiences or thoughts before your responses. I will give a short introduction to the topic. I want to read what you are thinking. There will be no judgments concerning what anyone says. I merely want to do something different for the next month or so. I welcome you sharing personal experiences or experiences you are aware of that may shed some light on our topics. Biblical references are always helpful in giving any response to something that may be difficult for us to understand.
To give a little introduction to this first topic- Relationships today are different from years past. Society is very different. Although women yet outnumber men generally in the dating game, the choices have tremendously reduced with prevalent same-sex relationships. Career goals seem to have placed marriage as the latter goal for many women and men. But, at some point, having a stable relationship that can lead to marriage becomes a priority for many individuals; With the clock ticking, some may wonder how to achieve this goal sooner.
Well, enough from me. Time to hear from you. Just a few questions to guide you along the way. What are your thoughts as a Christian concerning online dating? Is this something that you feel may work for you, or has it been useful to you? Do you know family or friends who have experienced online dating? Should this service be restricted to a particular age group? Is there a biblical perspective on it? If so, what is it? I think these questions should get you started. I hope I didn’t scare you away. Having more time on our hands being home mostly, I hope you will take a few minutes of your time to give some feedback. I can’t wait to hear from you! When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: Proverbs 2: 10-11. I’ll be back next week with a new post, Tough Question: “Should You Pray That God Bless the One Who Hurt You In A Relationship?”
Be encouraged, and God bless!
Sister Jackie
Yes, I believe it is totally fine for Christian women to do online dating. I have Christian friends (both male and female) that have found great partners from online dating. I’ve done it myself and have had relationships come from online dating. I met one ex on a dating app and also met another online (not from a dating site but from the bible app – go figure!). I believe that as the times have changed, online is simply another channel in which we can meet potential partners. Particularly during this pandemic in which we cannot socialize in person as much, this is a great avenue to really get to know someone.
There should not be a restriction to a particular age group – there are dating sites for almost every group (young, seasoned, black, Latino, Christians, Jewish, even for those that love cowboys..lol).
While online dating is definitely an exciting and new way to meet new people and potential dates, I do warn people to continue to be mindful of the need to be safe. People can sometimes let their guard down more when meeting and communicating with people online. However, you must remain vigilant – there are a lot of imposters online. One must remain wise and prayerful even during online dating.
I encourage everyone (young and seasoned) to try online dating – don’t knock it until you try it 🙂 Including the owner of this blog 😉
😊😊😊😊😊I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this topic. As always, my response to everything important to us in life is to seek God first for His wisdom, and everything will be alright. God bless you, heaven smile upon you and may He give you the desire of your heart!
I think that online dating should be approached with the same wisdom, caution, and discretion that one would have when meeting someone in real life. Whether you meet someone online or in person, its critical that you approach the dating process from a healthy place. Not out of anxiety or fear of being alone. I would argue that when you are introduced to a person through an online profile, you are equipped with more information than if you had met that person at a social event. You can potentially immediately know their age, career path, level of education, whether or not they’ve been married or if they have any children, if they want children, and if they smoke or drink. Some online profiles also have a section for individuals to describe their religious beliefs, which is incredibly important for Christians who want their partner to be on the same page spiritually. Having this information up front helps you to make an informed decision and can prevent you from wasting precious time. Now there’s always the possibility that the person isnt being truthful, but that’s the case for any in person interaction. Be discerning and prayerful, and do not hesitate to dismiss someone if there’s even a hint of a red flag. Online dating does have an element of anonymity and possible danger. So as mentioned before, be incredibly cautious before you give out any personal information or meeting someone in person. But overall, it’s a great way to meet a potential mate. I don’t think there is any age limit on finding companionship this way 😊. It’s how I met my husband, we just got married March 1st!
Both Monique and Janelle has some very interesting and thought provoking perspectives regarding online dating. They’ve given excellent precautionary measures
that apply to both situations; online or face to face.
I will be redundant.
The Bible does not say specifically how or where the man should find his wife, but that, “he that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing”. (Proverbs 18:22)The word is very clear on more specific matters such as; “how can two walk together unless they agree”. (Amos 3:3 ) submitting one to another etc.
Ladies, (and men) listen very carefully. You may have met him on line, however, date him off line as much as possible. Seek the Lord and get an answer whether to stop, or pursue before your feelings over/rule what God is saying to you
To online date or not; Acknowledge the Lord in all thy ways, and He shall direct thy path. I am not against it.
Janelle I appreciate your taking the time to give your insight on this topic. Sharing first-hand experience allows others to take a look into a situation. As with all matters talking to God and listening to His voice will give us insight and can help us to avoid possible pitfalls and dangers. You were a beautiful bride! I love the thank you card that you and hubby sent to me 😊. My continued prayer is that you will have a wonderful forever marriage. Blessings upon blessings to you!
Correction; I will not be redundant
Brenda thank you for your insightful words. Thank you for sharing the scriptures. One that is so important is Amos 3:3. It doesn’t matter whether the meeting is online or in person-If two are not on the same accord spiritually; look for a disaster. As agreed by all- Acknowledge God, speak to Him and let Him talk to you. God bless you and keep you always.
Janelle, I don’t know how my response to you came after Brenda’s comments because when I replied to you, she had not responded yet. So much for technology!
That’s quite alright!🤗
😊 I found out what happened. We were submitting responses at the same time!
Great question. Traditional dating vs. on-line dating? I have a sister that met her husband on-line. They have been married for almost 20 years now. She said she was praying to God for a husband, and as far as I can see, and from her words, “he is a good husband”, and, they were both saved when they met on-line. And, I have also heard of horror stories from on-line dating, as well as relationships that appear to be working out well. But, I have also heard of horror stories from marriages that formed “traditionally”. I think that historically, most marriages generally have always occurred with people that met as “strangers” in their first meeting, and had to get to know each other – just saying that everyone through the ages that got married traditionally didn’t grow up together or knew each other before they got married. Personally I’ve never ventured to on-line dating, but as stated, seeking God about the desire of a husband or a good friend, applies to wherever you meet them. The only thing I would caution, would be, not to do it out of desperation, whether meeting on-line or in person. Some have met devastation in their efforts from meeting in person too, because they were desperate for a husband, or simply was looking for a friend. The Bible does teach us to be anxious for nothing, for in doing so we can sometimes “throw caution to the wind”, and make un-wise choices, – not only in relationships but in other areas of our life.
As in all things technology related, there is an extra level of precaution necessary because of the magnitude of personal exposure and personal information being exploited, But, I think if it works for you, and you have no “red flags” flashing alerting you to stop, then prayerfully proceed with caution. I feel that there is a “general” risk in whatever way you meet someone that you are bringing into your personal life under most situations, for you don’t know whether it was a good or bad decision until “later”. :Hind-sight is 20/20″
Just my thoughts, but we must let God have the final say-so. I truly pray that everyone that desires a husband or a friend, get a “good one”, however they meet. 💟
You have expressed so many vital points that apply to on and offline dating. One essential point that everyone needs to consider regardless of the dating avenue taken- Be anxious for nothing because anxiousness can surely lead one to a blind state and devastation. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and knowledge on the topic. And yes, God must have the final say! Blessings and more blessings to you!
You asked this question and I am torn between the answers. Scripture says “HE who finds a wife finds a good thing” implying or saying that woman should not go out seeking. Now, if they are using the website to find social gatherings of other singles, I don’t really have a problem with that. I personally would not use one, but I can’t make that decision for others. Some do not have a single ministry at their church and this may be their only way to meet other single people.
Thank you for sharing your viewpoint. I pray that men will step up because there are so many wonderful women who desire a husband or plain companionship. As always, I maintain the position of seeking God first in all matters, spiritual and private, and He will direct our path. May God continue to shower His blessings upon you!
I agree, that the Word of God is right, that the “finding” of a wife is essentially for the husband to do, but, He did not stipulate the “method” of which to find her, only the type of virtuous, evenly yoked type to look for… And I also feel that he can “find” her on-line, as well as finding her traditionally. My sister’s husband “chose” her from on-line. I think if one seeks God first in their “requests” then one can also seek His confirmation in the “method”.
As for me, I am “team traditional”. 😉
Thank you for taking the time to continue to give feedback. God bless you!
Online dating has definitely become a new normal. For myself as a single mother and full time nurse, online dating was a way to “get myself out there” with my busy schedule. I agree with the other ladies in sense that you are able to know more information about a potential mate immediately than you would meeting him in person. This extra information allowed me to filter quickly and not waste time on men with no common interests. Although, I am not keen to small talk and online dating can become redundant…. I met my current partner! We are growing and flourishing! I definitely recommend online dating with a whole lot of Jesus. 😊
Thank you for sharing. You said it all in your last sentence. However, not only with online dating every part of our life, and every relationship needs a whole lot of Jesus! And let the people say Amen! Blessings to you, and may God stay at the helm of your relationship, and He won’t steer you wrong!