Bible Verses About Relationships Before Marriage

Relationships before marriage can be exciting, confusing, and deeply emotional. Whether you're dating, considering engagement, or simply wondering what the Bible says about love and commitment, it’s important to build your relationship on a solid foundation. As followers of Christ, we’re called to reflect His love in every area of our lives — including romance.

So what does the Bible really say about relationships before marriage?

In this post, we’ll explore key Bible verses about relationships before marriage, what they teach about love and purity, and how you can apply biblical wisdom to your dating life.

Why Look to the Bible for Relationship Guidance?

Modern dating culture often emphasizes personal happiness, physical attraction, and instant gratification. But biblical relationships are rooted in:

• Purpose
• Commitment
• Faith
• Self-control
• God-centered love

When you seek Scripture for guidance, you gain timeless wisdom that protects your heart, strengthens your character, and prepares you for a Christ-centered marriage.

1. Guarding Your Heart

Before anything else, the Bible emphasizes protecting your heart.

Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

In pre-marital relationships, emotions can run high. Guarding your heart means:

• Setting healthy boundaries
• Avoiding emotional dependency
• Seeking God’s wisdom in decision-making
• Not rushing into deep commitment prematurely

It’s not about building walls — it’s about building wisdom.

2. Pursuing Purity Before Marriage

One of the clearest biblical teachings about relationships before marriage centers on purity.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 – “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality…”

Hebrews 13:4 – “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure.”

These verses highlight an important principle: sexual intimacy is designed for marriage.

In a culture that normalizes physical intimacy outside marriage, the Bible calls believers to a higher standard. Pursuing purity means:

• Establishing physical boundaries
• Avoiding tempting situations
• Being accountable to trusted mentors
• Respecting each other's bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit

Purity isn’t about restriction — it’s about honoring God and protecting your future marriage.

3. Loving the Right Way

Biblical love goes beyond feelings. It’s about character and action.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud…”

Before marriage, this passage serves as a relationship checklist. Ask yourself:

• Is our love patient or rushed?
• Is it kind or controlling?
• Does it honor or manipulate?
• Does it build up or tear down?

True love reflects Christ’s selfless nature. If your relationship consistently contradicts these qualities, it may need reevaluation.

4. Avoiding Unequal Yoking

Choosing the right partner is critical.

2 Corinthians 6:14 – “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.”

This doesn’t mean isolating yourself from non-believers, but it does warn against binding your life to someone who doesn’t share your faith.

A spiritually aligned relationship allows couples to:

• Pray together
• Serve together
• Make faith-based decisions
• Raise children with shared values

Spiritual unity strengthens romantic unity.

5. Seeking Wise Counsel

Dating should never happen in isolation.

Proverbs 11:14 – “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”

Healthy pre-marital relationships invite accountability. Consider:

• Talking with spiritual mentors
• Pre-engagement counseling
• Involving trusted family members
• Being part of a supportive church community

God often uses wise voices to protect us from heartache.

6. Practicing Self-Control

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and essential in dating.

Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace… self-control.”

Strong attraction is natural. But self-control strengthens character and builds mutual respect.

Practical ways to practice self-control:

• Set agreed-upon physical boundaries
• Avoid late-night isolation
• Be mindful of emotional intimacy
• Pray together regularly

Self-control today builds trust for tomorrow.

7. Building on Friendship First

While the word “dating” isn’t found in the Bible, godly relationships often reflect deep friendship.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

Before marriage, focus on:

• Shared values
• Mutual encouragement
• Emotional support
• Spiritual growth

A strong friendship lays the foundation for lasting romance.

Practical Biblical Principles for Pre-Marital Relationships

To summarize, here are key biblical principles for relationships before marriage:

• ✅ Put God first
• ✅ Pursue sexual purity
• ✅ Choose a spiritually compatible partner
• ✅ Seek wise counsel
• ✅ Set healthy boundaries
• ✅ Practice patience and self-control
• ✅ Build friendship and trust

These principles aren’t about legalism — they’re about preparation for a strong and God-honoring marriage.

Final Thoughts: Preparing for a Godly Marriage

Relationships before marriage are not just about finding “the one.” They are about becoming the right person while trusting God with your future.

The Bible doesn’t give a modern dating manual, but it provides clear wisdom:

• Love with intention
• Date with purity
• Seek spiritual unity
• Honor God in every step

When you follow biblical guidance, you protect your heart, strengthen your faith, and prepare for a marriage rooted in Christ.

If you're currently in a relationship, take time to reflect:
Is this relationship drawing you closer to God — or further away?

Because the right relationship won’t just change your status.
It will strengthen your faith and glorify God.

Looking for more Biblical relationship guidance?
Continue studying Scripture, seek wise mentors, and invite God into every season of your love story.