Singles today have many opportunities to find their partner, including dating sites or social media. But beware! In this virtual world, it is important to keep our hearts!
We can perform all kinds of tasks on the net. We can communicate anywhere in the world, in writing or video. We can buy everything from thousands of online stores, we study different texts and listen to all kinds of podcasts. We also find entertainment of all kinds and management tools for our everyday life. It is not surprising that our generation is also turning to the Internet to find a life partner.
Using dating sites or social media to fulfill that desire is not a sin. “I have the freedom to do anything, but not everything is helpful. I have the freedom to do anything, but I won’t be controlled by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12 CEB). It does not matter to God what tool we use, it’s the disposition of our heart and the respect of His principles. We must seek God first (Matthew 6:33) and always follow His direction, no matter what means we use.
Some singles don’t like communicating through a computer, but for others, it is an excellent way. Especially if they are shy or don’t have much time to spend looking. As each person is different, we shouldn’t judge those who decide to use this method, because it may be the right one for them. On the other hand, it is necessary to watch over our friends who choose to date online to remind them to keep their hearts during the process.
Why? Because the people we meet online are very real behind their computer, but the only thing we learn about these people is from a virtual profile. Even if we write thousands of messages and chat in real time, it’s still a virtual conversation. Once we meet this person face to face, we will have a different impression. Sometimes, meeting face to face will be a less positive experience than the one we had online.
For God, love is a choice, not a feeling (1 Corinthians 13:4-7), but we still need to feel comfortable and confident with each other to be able to marry them. These feelings will develop by spending time in person with the one who interests us. We also really get to know someone by meeting their family and friends, by watching their reactions in a game night or watching them serve at their local church.
We must be very careful when we talk to other singles behind our computer. Make sure that you meet this person as quickly as possible. If you wait for months and realize at the first date that you are not feeling comfortable with this person, you will be disappointed and perhaps even worried. Think about it, you will have given this person a lot of time and a lot of information about yourself through multiple messages. You will have lived a virtual relationship, an imaginary love, which will be so far from reality. Then it will be difficult for you to get out of this idyllic image. Remember, we are always at our best, behind a screen, and to be in love with an image is a bit of idolatry, which God also hates.
Dating sites or social media allow us to meet people who live on the other side of the planet. Life is easier if you avoid long-distance relationships, but they are not impossible. Long distance relationships even have some advantages, especially regarding the temptations of the flesh. However, they also require a lot of effort to build trust. So of course, It is necessary to make multiple meetings by video-chat and also plan for in-person visits.
In summary, never let your heart go wild during your online exchanges. Never fall in love with someone on the Internet without spending time with them in person.
By the way, if someone tells you that they are madly in love with you, after some online message exchanges, and you’ve never met them in person … beware! These beautiful words are the best way for prowlers and scammers to catch you in their nets. Do not believe them. Love can only be legitimate when you have met your mutual entourage (families and friends).