Missionary Dating
So you meet the most amazing guy or gal; this person is insanely attractive, loves children, motivated and going places, easy to talk to, well grounded and composed while also loads of fun, is interested in you, and the list goes on. There is, however, one slight (or gigantic) problem: s/he is not a Christian.
Here is where it gets complicated: a) date b) stay plutonic friends c) somewhere in-between. The response seems to vary between Christians; some are adamantly against it while others purposefully date to save. Various scripture can be used to supposedly back up either side: 2 Corinthians 6:14 “Do not be bound together with unbelievers for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [New American Standard Bible]. And so, like many contemporary Christian lifestyle issues, dating non-believers is often debated.
Guarding your heart, staying friends, and lacing the relationship in prayer is probably the safest option, yet there is beauty in seeing someone you care for so much saved. With a romantic relationship where worldviews differ and standards collide there are many temptations and challenges.
Also, what if you never intended to fall for that non-Christian? What about those couples where one spouse saved the other? What happens if his/her relationship with God is only to make you happy? If it ends in marriage what happens if the conversion was not real?
Relationships are complicated and love is powerful but regardless God needs to be the number one. Enough Said.
What do you think about missionary dating? Post a comment.
Well, if men are from Mars and women are from Venus, I think a “Plutonic” relationship would be the most appropriate. (Haha?)
I think it’s pretty careless to try to support either position with Scripture. Dating is completely foreign to the biblical world, so I wouldn’t read too much into specific Bible verses for the subject. I think common sense and practical consideration are more helpful for these situations.
Good call, Toph.