Topical Bible: Girlfriend and Boyfriend

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The terms "girlfriend" and "boyfriend" are modern expressions used to describe a romantic relationship between two individuals who are not married. While these specific terms do not appear in the Bible, the Scriptures provide principles and teachings that can be applied to such relationships, emphasizing purity, commitment, and love.

Biblical Principles for Relationships:

1. Purity and Holiness:
The Bible calls believers to live lives of purity and holiness, especially in relationships. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 , it is written, "For it is God’s will that you should be sanctified: You should avoid sexual immorality; each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans who do not know God." This passage underscores the importance of maintaining sexual purity before marriage.

2. Love and Respect:
Relationships should be characterized by love and respect. Ephesians 5:2 instructs, "And walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God." This love is selfless and sacrificial, reflecting Christ's love for the Church.

3. Commitment and Faithfulness:
While the Bible does not explicitly address dating, it does emphasize the importance of commitment and faithfulness in relationships. Proverbs 3:3-4 states, "Let loving devotion and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man."

4. Guarding the Heart:
The Bible advises believers to guard their hearts, as it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This principle encourages individuals to be cautious and discerning in their romantic relationships.

5. Seeking Godly Counsel:
The Scriptures encourage seeking wisdom and counsel in all areas of life, including relationships. Proverbs 15:22 notes, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Involving trusted, godly mentors or family members can provide guidance and accountability.

6. Equally Yoked:
The Bible advises believers to form relationships with those who share their faith. 2 Corinthians 6:14 warns, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?" This principle is often applied to ensure that both individuals in a relationship share a common faith and values.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not specifically mention "girlfriend" or "boyfriend," it provides timeless principles that guide believers in forming healthy, God-honoring relationships. These principles emphasize purity, love, commitment, and seeking God's will, laying a strong foundation for any romantic relationship.

Topical Bible Verses

2 Corinthians 6:14
Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness?
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1 Corinthians 15:33
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
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1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Charity suffers long, and is kind; charity envies not; charity braggs not itself, is not puffed up,
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1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Charity suffers long, and is kind; charity envies not; charity braggs not itself, is not puffed up,
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Hebrews 13:4
Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
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1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication:
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1 Corinthians 10:13
There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.
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1 John 3:18
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
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Ephesians 5:31
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
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