Courtship is a season of intentional preparation for marriage, guided by God’s wisdom and principles. The Bible provides guidance on how to pursue relationships that honor Him. These Bible verses offer wisdom, encouragement, and principles to help couples build a strong, Christ-centered relationship.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Future Spouse
Seeking God First in Courtship
Before entering into a relationship, it is essential to seek God’s will and guidance. A Christ-centered courtship begins with placing God at the center of every decision. When we trust in Him, He will direct our paths and lead us in the right way. These verses remind us to seek God first in all things.
Matthew 6:33
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Psalms 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.”
James 1:5
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
Building a Foundation on Love and Respect
For a courtship to be strong and godly, love and respect must be the foundation. True love is patient, kind, and selfless, reflecting God’s love for us. Respect is essential in building a relationship that honors both individuals. The following verses teach us how to love and respect one another in courtship.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
Ephesians 5:25
“For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her.”
1 Peter 4:8
“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
Colossians 3:14
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.”
Maintaining Purity in Courtship
Purity is a vital aspect of Christian courtship, reflecting our commitment to honoring God with our bodies and minds. The Bible instructs us to flee from temptation and pursue holiness in our relationships. These scriptures remind us of the importance of maintaining purity before marriage.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
“God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor—not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways.”
Hebrews 13:4
“Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.”
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.”
Psalm 119:9
“How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.”
2 Timothy 2:22
“Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.”
Commitment and Faithfulness in Courtship
A relationship that honors God requires commitment and faithfulness. Courtship should reflect the same devotion and loyalty that God desires in marriage. These verses encourage us to be faithful and steadfast in our relationships.
Proverbs 20:6
“Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?”
Ruth 1:16
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.'”
Malachi 2:16
“For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. ‘To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. ‘So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.'”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”
Luke 16:10
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Purity Before Marriage
Seeking Wise Counsel in Courtship
Seeking godly wisdom and advice is essential when pursuing a relationship. The Bible encourages us to listen to wise counsel, especially from those who are spiritually mature. Seeking guidance from mentors, parents, and pastors can help us navigate courtship in a way that honors God.
Proverbs 11:14
“Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.”
Proverbs 15:22
“Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.”
Proverbs 19:20
“Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.”
Proverbs 24:6
“So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.”
Titus 2:4-5
“These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.”
Trusting God’s Timing for Marriage
Waiting for God’s perfect timing is crucial in courtship. Impatience can lead to mistakes, but trusting in God’s plan brings peace and fulfillment. The Bible reminds us that God has a set time for everything, including relationships and marriage.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”
Lamentations 3:25-26
“The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.”
Psalm 27:14
“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Habakkuk 2:3
“This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.”
Honoring God in Marriage Preparation
Courtship is not just about romance; it is about preparing for a God-honoring marriage. The Bible provides wisdom on how to build a strong, Christ-centered marriage by laying a foundation of faith, love, and commitment.
Genesis 2:24
“This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.”
Mark 10:9
“Let no one split apart what God has joined together.”
1 Peter 3:7
“In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.”
Colossians 3:18-19
“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.”
1 Corinthians 7:3-4
“The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs. The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife.”
May these scriptures guide you in your journey of courtship, helping you to honor God, build a strong relationship, and prepare for a lasting marriage grounded in Christ.