What is the ultimate purpose of dating? The reason why you date is to find and meet that one person that God has prepared for you so that you can live your life together while serving Him. Ideally, the church is the best place where you can meet your future spouse. Sadly, however, times have already changed from how they have been years ago.
Back in the day, the church was the place where you can meet your match. Today, however, it has become among the least common places where you can meet a romantic partner. Reports have shown a steady and constant decline of the church as a place where people find their special someone.
Today, it seems that people are searching everywhere but the church to look for a spouse. But to be fair, it is not always the fault of the Christians who are searching for love. According to reports, only 20% of churches provide a group where single adults of the same ages can develop and form friendships with people who belong to the opposite sex.
So far, there are just three methods to meet someone these days: at a restaurant or bar, through friends, or online. This is what paved the way for the increasing number of Christians searching for love with the help of online dating.
However, should they be doing it in the first place?
The decision to give online dating a try is actually a rather personal one, especially if you are planning to use an online dating site. But can Christian singles find a partner on general dating sites or specialized Christian dating sites?
The answer is a big yes. Dating sites can really help Christian singles find and meet a partner. Many of the dating sites today already have the filter to help find Christians, and if Christians want to find a non-Christian partner, then general dating sites are much better, like Match.com, eHarmony.com, ect.
Why Christians Should Try Online Dating
The world of online dating is getting more and more popular and in demand, specifically for the younger users. While almost half of the people aged 18 to 29 years old claimed to have ever tried using a dating website or app, the numbers are lower for those who are 30 to 49 years old, and much lower for people who are 50 years of age and above. The good news is that most of them were successful.
This is the reason why Christian dating websites are gaining popularity all over the world. To convince you even further, below are just some of the benefits that online dating has to offer for Christians out there:
Broaden your horizon
As stated earlier, it is not easy for Christians to meet their fellow single Christians in their respective churches if the church doesn’t have its own singles group. In addition, most Christians often themselves in churches where there might be no one to date at all.
With online dating, Christians no longer need to feel limited to only the singles who belong to their congregation. Thanks to online dating, they will be able to meet single Christians across their local city worshipping at various churches.
Minimize dating for dating’s sake alone
In a world where hookup apps are on the rise, Christian dating websites are meant to assist Christian singles in finding and forging real connections. Singles you can find on dating websites generally look for actual relationships and a future spouse. These dating sites are not only made for dating’s sake because they are meant for more serious relationships and those who are prepared to tie the knot.
Meet like-minded potential mates
Thanks to online dating, it is now possible for singles to search according to preferences, and it is how Christian dating apps can come in handy. The moment you sign up for a Christian dating site, it means they are looking for fellow Christians to date. Christian singles can also search according to denomination and location.
Disadvantages of Online Dating for Christians
Sadly, there are also several downsides associated with online dating for Christians. There are people who feel like online dating consumes too much of their time and doesn’t really feel as natural as meeting a new face offline.
While you are still the one who will ultimately make the decision on what is best for you, here are several things you should remember when praying for guidance on whether or not online dating is worth the try:
Financial costs
Many dating sites and apps have specific fees to join and maintain your dating profile on their platform. It means that you will be required to pay a fee every month, and for some people, this cost is simply not worth the money.
A false sense of control
When you are a Christian, you know that your future is under God’s control. However, it can be quite tempting to assume that you are the one in control, particularly when it comes to picking and choosing potential mates through a dating site or app.
If you feel you are in charge of writing your own love story, you are actually taking a risk. Remember that while your heart may plan your way, it is still the Lord who will establish your steps.
You don’t always get what you see.
People online only tend to show you the best side they have. You can see it everywhere on social media, and even more so when it comes to online dating. Most of the profiles you see might not be real in the first place. What is even sadder is that some people you might meet are not Christians at all.
While using general dating sites is good if you are a Christian hoping to date a fellow Christian or even a non-Christian, it is important to always take the necessary precaution. Also, always trust God and His wisdom to help you find the romance and love you are looking for.