Many young Christians wonder if dating someone with a different faith is okay. They need clarification because the biblical scriptures are vague and open to various interpretations. If you are a Christian dating a non-believer, here’s everything you need to know.

What Does the Bible Say About Dating a Non-Believer?

The Bible does not talk about dating, let alone dating a non-believer. Everything written about companionship was related to marriage, so it’s challenging to contextualize the scriptures into today’s dating culture.

Strictly speaking, the Bible does not forbid believers from dating non-believers. Many Christians view dating as harmless fun. Others even see it as an excellent opportunity to “convert” the person they are dating.

Dating can be a way to help kind-hearted people know Christ and expand His community. God encourages us to love our neighbors regardless of status and background. If your dating intentions are pure, getting along well with an agnostic, atheist, or someone of another religion should not be an issue.

But some believers assume they shouldn’t be dating non-Christians. Most of this category believes that the only goal of dating is marriage. And it’s wrong to marry a non-believer.

The truth is, we could be sinning whether we are dating a Christian or non-Christian. Sins occur when we prefer anything over the Lord. We sin if we prioritize dating or companionship over our relationship with God.

What Does the Bible Say About Christians Marrying Non-Christian?

God has created men and women to be fruitful and multiply.

“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” -Genesis 2:24

This, however, does not apply to non-Christians. Many scriptures from the Old Testament can confirm this.

“You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, for they would turn away your sons from following me, to serve other gods. Then the anger of the Lord would be kindled against you, and he would destroy you quickly.” -Deuteronomy 7:3-4

Even the New Testament preaches against inter-marrying.

”A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.” -1 Corinthians 7:39

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” -2 Corinthians 6:14

If you fall in love with a non-Christian, it should be your mission to introduce them to God’s love. This is what the entire dating process is made for. There is no reason to spend your whole life with and submit yourself to someone who does not share the same faith.

You should have a common goal of putting God at the center of your marriage. Otherwise, a profound union of two souls is impossible.

The Person You Date Matters

Our faith tells us that dating is meant to lead to marriage. Therefore, there are only two options when forming companionships.

• Date a Christian.
• Date a non-Christian and help them recognize God and be part of the Christian community.

Being with someone whose beliefs are different from ours is unhealthy for both. There will be no deep connection because of the weak foundation.

Here are bible verses to strengthen your marriage.