Last updated on October 4, 2020
Question:
I have been dating my girlfriend for several months. She is not a Christian and this has me torn. She comes to church on Sunday the days she doesn’t work and she encourages me to love God. With all that being said, she does not have a relationship with God and she does not live a Christian life. Sometimes I don’t know if I can bring her closer to God or if she will end up bringing me away from God. I’ve fallen in love with her personality and I love being with her so I know it will be very hard for me to break up with her, but I want to follow the Lord. I’m very sad and torn with all of this. Should I end things with her or should I keep things as they are and just keep talking to her about Jesus and live as an example of him?
Answer:
This is a question I can’t completely answer for you. Regardless of whether you keep dating this girl or not, you should always talk about Jesus to people and be an example of Christ to others. “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (I Timothy 4:12).
What I would suggest is that you not think seriously about marrying her until such time as she becomes a serious Christian. There are two points that you said which are bothersome: 1) That she doesn’t live a Christian life, and 2) you think she may lead you away from God. Those are both serious problems. Neither means she cannot change, but you won’t know until she does decide to change. But until that time, you have to always keep your guard up. If you see her pulling you in the wrong direction, you need it firm in your mind that you won’t continue the relationship. Leave it open in your mind that you might date other women if you find one who is more willing to follow Christ.