When Christians choose to date non-Christians, their intentions are usually good. They believe that their faith will remain strong, that the other person won’t be able to draw them away from God. They may even believe that they are doing God an act of service by dating someone who they intend to win to Christ.
But it’s harmful for a believer to date a non-believer. Here are some reasons why:
As Christians, we’re called to serve God, not the world: ‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God’ (Heb 12:1-2). The Bible teaches that when we become Christians, we no longer belong to ‘our father the devil’, but to God. We’re told that those who belong to God, and those who belong to the devil (all non-believers and false converts) cannot coexist in harmony together
As Christians, we’re called to a higher standard of living: ‘Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind’ (Ro 12:2). We cannot choose to live a lifestyle that is contrary to God’s Word, just because we prefer to. God calls us to sacrifice our own inclinations and desires and instead to obey Him
The non-Christian world is watching all who claim to be followers of Christ, and they rejoice when we stumble. Those who hate God would love to be able to prove that everyone who follows Him are hypocrites – the last thing they want to discover is that God is actually real and that they will be held accountable for not serving Him. By choosing to date a non-believer, you are demonstrating to the world that you proclaim Christ as Lord, but then disobey His commands – in short, you are announcing that you are a hypocrite. Not only are you giving non-Christians cause to rejoice, but you could also be causing younger Christians – who look to more mature believers for correct behaviour – to stumble: ‘But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea’ (Mt 9:42)
and ChristianCupid are trademarks of Cupid Media Pty Ltd.