Are Christian boys able to have girlfriends?

Last updated on October 3, 2020

Question:

Hey,

I’m a Christian, I believe in Jesus, and I’m 17. I have a question about teenage relationships. I’m interested in getting a girl. I never had a girl and never have sex. I ask for advice and people say it OK to do so, but I always have a feeling that God might be mad at me. As Christians are we able to have a girl? Does God like it?

Is it ok to date a non-Christian girl? Is it OK to date a Christian girl and share the feelings that you have for her? Is it a sin if we look at a young pretty girl and it works on your mind?

God bless!

Answer:

When you talk about dating a girl, the question that needs to be first answered is: For what purpose?

If you are looking at this as a status symbol, then your motivation is pride, which is never a good motive. “When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2). Pride is focused on yourself, but dating should be due to your interest in another person.

If you are looking for someone to have sex with or to act sexual with, this too is a selfish motivation, but it is also a desire to sin. “Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts” (Romans 13:13-14). Sex is reserved only for marriage; thus, the things that lead up to sex must be set aside until marriage takes place.

But if you are looking for a friend and someone who might become your companion for life, then it is certainly fine to date. Don’t be in a rush to date someone exclusively. First, build a strong friendship, then talk about the possibility of dating.