Last week, Patty Guthrie had a great article published about using dating apps as a Christian. Rather, this piece adds some additional encouragement for those who have tried these apps but then felt lost in a sea of emotionsβwhether hope, nervousness, disappointment, guilt, or loneliness. How can we apply the teachings of the Bible to technology that the apostles and prophets would never have imagined?
I am currently in a relationship with someone I met through a dating app. Rather, I have a passion to speak openly about the struggles many experience in silence. We Christians often struggle to talk about this in our conversations with one another. So, I truly hope that this article will provide some helpful Christian tips on how to navigate these muddy waters. But first, pause and remember this: be kind. God calls us to love our neighbour as ourselves Mark Kindness should extend to allβ not just friends, workmates, neighbours and church members; but strangers too.
When it comes to competitiveness, the job market pales in comparison to the world of dating apps. So, how do you show kindness? Rather, it means being considerate with your thoughts about the person behind that profile, with your words as you speak about them or interact with them.
Dating apps can feed selfishness. They easily become like online shopping: how do I get the perfect person for the best price? We pitch people against each other, asking them to perform for us.
If we are shaped by the kindness God has graciously shown us in the gospel, then this kindness ought to extend even to strangers on an app. Yes, be discerning and prayerful with your interactions, much like in any interaction with strangers.
