A lot of pastors and church leaders still have a hard time accepting on-line dating. In fact, any kind of matchmaking services is still treated with suspicion. But are Christians allowed to use this method or not?

Nowadays, the Internet has become an extension of our world. We can meet friends, chat for hours, share pictures, and play games.

We do our banking online and we could buy everything that we would ever need online. Everyone uses it, Christians and non-Christians alike. The Internet is even used by pastors to expand their ministries through ebooks and podcasts. It’s no surprise that people use it to find a life partner.

What does God say about online dating? Nothing of course. The Bible doesn’t say anything about any kind of matchmaking service. In fact, God doesn’t talk about dating or even finding your spouse. The way you find your partner is not very important. People can meet and fall in love under all types of circumstances. What is important to Him is that you stay pure in the process and you choose someone that will work to keep His Kingdom running!

When something is in a gray area, you can use 1 Corinthians 6.12 NIV : ““I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.” Is it beneficial to use online dating services? It can be if you use it well.

It’s like a car, nowhere in the Bible does it mention driving a car. You could use it in a way that is not pleasing to God by driving to a porn shop or selling drugs. Or you can use it to please God by driving people to church or going to witness to people who are unsaved. It’s the same thing with the Internet. It’s just a tool at your disposal designed to make life easier. God doesn’t judge the tool, He judges how you use it.

So go ahead, use all the tools you have, but never compromise your Christian identity.

(To use this tool in a safe, pure, and efficient way, read the post “Which dating websites are recommended”.)