Can God use the INTERNET to find your mate?

The simple answer is this…God can use ANYTHING He wants. He is God almighty and He can do ANYTHING He wants to. The question I always get from Singles, “Is it wrong to use online dating services?” When the topic is not in the bible (not one mention of the internet in there) and a gray area, I always respond back with a question. I would ask them in return, “Do you think it’s wrong?” The answers people usually give are convictions that they personally feel about it. But because it’s become acceptable in our society, one can only think that they should be doing it.

Ministers can debate back and forth all they want about online dating, but I truly believe it is a personal conviction for each person. I have had friends that have found their mate through internet dating. I have also had other friends that had nothing but dating disasters through internet dating. It’s no different than meeting someone at a bar or even a church. You must be cautious and let the Holy Spirit guide you in discerning the intentions of the opposite sex, however you meet them.

I don’t think I need to share about the bad things that can come from internet dating. The media does a good job of this. So many times we see on the news about someone hooking up on the internet and end up being raped or worse, being murdered. We won’t focus on this because we have all heard of horror stories in this evil world. All I have to say about this is to be cautious as there is danger in everything out there.

Instead, let’s talk about the good of internet dating. It’s a way for those that have a busy life to meet people.  Everyone is so busy and it just doesn’t seem like there are enough places to meet good Christian people.  It’s especially hard in churches if there is no singles ministry. I believe the mistake that people make about internet dating is that they are expecting to find their soul mate as these services promotes finding the love of your life. BOLONEY. Jesus is the love of your life! Don’t get caught up in relying on a computer to find your mate. You are setting yourself up for a big disappointment. If you go into it just to meet new people and develop friendships from it, then you are not just focused on finding your mate!

So let’s take a look at a few guidelines for online dating if you decide to do it.

1. Make sure that it is a Christian-based dating service. Never sign up for one that is NOT Christian-based. You want to make sure you are equally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14). You also have to understand that just because someone say they are a Christian may not necessarily mean they believe in the same things you do or have the same standards and morals as you. Again, this is where you really have to rely on the Holy Spirit to reveal these things to you and you must listen to Him and take action on your part.
2. NEVER give out your personal information over the internet. Things like where you work, your home address, what kind of car you drive, who you bank with, etc. It doesn’t matter how well you get to know someone over the internet or emailing back & forth. You truly do not know someone until you spend a lot of time in person and in public with them. READ my blog on “Do’s & Don’ts on a 1^st date” before you go on a date with a person. The less this person knows about you, the easier it will be to cut it off and less chances of having a stalker.
3. Go into this to meet new people, not to find a mate. Getting to know other Christian Singles should be the main focus. The first phase is to know someone as an acquaintance then as a friend. If you have this mindset, then you are not going to get disappointed or set yourself up.
4. Get advice from others that will give you good counsel. Have them help you understand the pros and cons of internet dating. They may be able to give you insight of things you have never thought of.
5. Always remember to – BE SMART & SAFE!

Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness?  How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 (NLT)

Stay tuned for my next blog as I share my own personal experience with internet dating. I will be sharing the GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY. You don’t want to miss it!