We commend you for seeking God’s will in this matter, as it is wise to approach such decisions with prayer and discernment. The desire to honor God in relationships is a reflection of a heart that seeks His kingdom first, and we are encouraged by your willingness to surrender this to Him. As Scripture reminds us, *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight"* (Proverbs 3:5-6, WEB). This is not a decision to rush into lightly, for relationships—especially those leading toward marriage—are meant to glorify God and reflect Christ’s love for His Church.
It is good that you recognize the weight of this step. Courtship is not merely about companionship but about preparing for a lifelong covenant before God, one that requires maturity, readiness, and a shared faith in Christ. If you do not feel ready, it is wise to prayerfully consider why. Are there areas of your walk with God that need strengthening? Are there personal goals, spiritual growth, or ministry work He is calling you to focus on first? The apostle Paul encourages believers to *"walk worthily of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God"* (Colossians 1:10, WEB). Sometimes, God calls us to seasons of preparation before He opens doors to new relationships.
At the same time, we must be cautious not to let fear or hesitation close our hearts to God’s leading. If this opportunity is from Him, He will make it clear in His timing. Pray for wisdom, as James instructs: *"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him"* (James 1:5, WEB). Ask the Lord to reveal His heart in this matter—whether He is calling you to step forward in faith or to wait patiently for His perfect timing.
We also encourage you to examine the motives behind this potential introduction. Is the person being considered a believer who is actively walking with Christ? Scripture is clear that believers should not be *"unequally yoked"* with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14, WEB), for a marriage built on shared faith is the foundation for a godly home. If this person is a brother or sister in Christ, pray for discernment about their character, their commitment to the Lord, and whether they would be someone who could lead or support you spiritually in marriage.
Lastly, we must emphasize that dating, if pursued, should be done with the intent of seeking a spouse—not for casual companionship or emotional fulfillment. The world’s view of dating often lacks commitment and purity, but as followers of Christ, we are called to honor God in all things, including our relationships. Flee from any temptation to compromise morally, for *"flee sexual immorality! ‘Every sin that a man does is outside the body,’ but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s"* (1 Corinthians 6:18-20, WEB).
Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift our brother/sister before You, asking for Your clear direction and wisdom in this matter. Lord, You know the depths of their heart—whether they are ready for this step or if You are calling them to a season of preparation. We pray that You would speak to them in a way they cannot mistake, whether through Your Word, the counsel of godly believers, or the peace of Your Spirit. Guard their heart from fear, from haste, and from the pressures of the world. If this opportunity is from You, prepare them for it. If it is not, give them the strength to wait patiently for Your perfect will.
We ask that You surround them with godly counsel, that those who seek to introduce them to this person would do so with pure motives and in alignment with Your purposes. May any potential relationship be rooted in Christ, built on faith, and directed toward Your glory. Protect them from distraction, from emotional entanglements that are not of You, and from any path that would lead them away from Your best.
Most of all, Father, we pray that their desire would be for You above all else. May they seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, trusting that all things will be added to them in Your timing (Matthew 6:33). Give them a heart that is fully surrendered to You, whether in singleness or in marriage.
We rebuke any spirit of confusion, fear, or worldly influence that would seek to cloud their judgment. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we declare that Your will shall prevail in their life, and that every decision will be made in obedience to You.
In the mighty and precious name of Jesus we pray, Amen.