Building a strong Christian relationship takes intentional effort, faith, and guidance from God. As committed single Christians, whether you’re dating someone special or seeking a partner, it’s crucial to lay a foundation that glorifies God and strengthens both of you spiritually and emotionally. These 20 ways are designed to encourage you, help you reflect, and guide you toward relationships that honor Christ. We have another post about relationship lessons too.

1. Prioritize Your Relationship with God First

Before building a relationship with someone else, it’s essential to cultivate your relationship with God. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” When your heart is anchored in Christ, it allows Him to guide your decisions, including those in relationships.

2. Pray Together and for Each Other

One of the most powerful ways to strengthen a Christian relationship is through prayer. Pray for your partner’s growth, wisdom, and spiritual walk. If you’re not yet dating, pray for your future spouse and ask God for discernment when you meet someone.

3. Set Clear Boundaries

Physical, emotional, and spiritual boundaries are vital. Being intentional about purity honors God and shows respect for each other. Discuss your boundaries early in the relationship and hold each other accountable. Ephesians 5:3 reminds us to “Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.”

4. Build a Friendship First

Relationships are strongest when they are rooted in genuine friendship. Get to know one another’s values, goals, and quirks. Friendships allow relationships to blossom naturally and create a strong foundation.

5. Study Scripture Together

Engage in God’s Word as a couple. Bible study not only strengthens your faith but helps align your relationship with biblical principles. Choose passages about love, commitment, and faith to read and discuss together.

6. Communicate Openly and Honestly

Healthy communication is key in any relationship. Be open about your feelings, fears, and dreams. Avoid assumptions and strive to listen actively. Ephesians 4:29 encourages us to speak words that build each other up.

7. Attend Church Together

Being part of a church community keeps Christ at the center of your relationship. Worshiping, serving, and learning together strengthens your spiritual bond and provides opportunities for mutual growth.

8. Avoid Unequally Yoked Relationships

Paul’s teaching in 2 Corinthians 6:14 says, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.” While this doesn’t mean cutting off friendships, it’s wise to pursue relationships where you’re both aligned in faith and values.

9. Be Patient with God’s Timing

Sometimes, we rush relationships because of loneliness or societal pressure. Trust God’s perfect timing. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Allow Him to lead.

10. Prioritize Accountability

Seek out trusted Christian mentors or accountability partners who can speak truth into your relationship. They can offer guidance, prayer, and counsel when challenges arise.

11. Focus on Spiritual Compatibility

Shared faith and values create unity in a relationship. Discuss your beliefs, practices, and spiritual goals to ensure you’re walking in the same direction.

12. Serve Others Together

A Christ-centered relationship looks beyond itself. Volunteer in your local church, community, or on a mission trip. Serving together deepens connection and reflects God’s love to others.

13. Be Intentional About Your Goals

Are you both looking toward marriage? Or is one person unsure? Clarify your intentions early to avoid confusion. Being intentional aligns you and helps you build a future with purpose.

14. Practice Forgiveness

No relationship is perfect. Learn to extend grace and forgiveness when mistakes happen. Colossians 3:13 encourages us to “bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance.”

15. Build Emotional Intimacy Before Physical Intimacy

While society often rushes physical intimacy, it’s crucial for Christians to develop emotional and spiritual intimacy first. Building trust and understanding creates a lasting bond.

16. Enjoy Meaningful Dates

Plan dates that allow for meaningful connection. Whether it’s hiking, sharing meals, or attending a worship night, choose activities that help you learn more about each other and grow spiritually.

17. Use Tools That Reflect Your Values

Finding someone who shares your faith isn’t always easy. SALT, a leading Christian dating app, is an excellent way to meet like-minded singles who prioritize God in their relationships. SALT encourages genuine, faith-driven connections, making it a trusted resource for single Christians.

18. Discuss Finances and Stewardship

While it may seem premature, talking about financial habits and goals is vital. How you manage money reflects your priorities and values. Seek to honor God with your finances.

19. Seek Peace in Conflict

Disagreements will happen, but how you handle them matters. Approach conflict with humility, seeking understanding and reconciliation. James 1:19 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

20. Continually Grow in Faith Together

Relationships thrive when both individuals are pursuing Christ. Attend Christian conferences, read faith-based books, or listen to podcasts that challenge you to grow spiritually.

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Building a strong Christian relationship is about honoring God, loving one another selflessly, and allowing Him to guide your journey. Whether you’re single, dating, or preparing for marriage, these 20 steps will help you strengthen your foundation and pursue relationships with intention. Remember, God cares deeply about your relationships and has a beautiful plan for your life. Trust Him in every season, and don’t hesitate to explore tools like SALT to meet other committed believers.

Let Christ remain at the center, and everything else will fall into place.