6 Ways For Single Christians to Find Love

Unsplash

In 1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul gave us a poignant definition of love. In the beloved verse, the saint wrote “Love is patient; love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

Although the passage is referring to the love that Jesus taught us to have for our neighbors, it is also at the root of a loving Christian marriage. But knowing the basis for a loving Christian marriage and knowing how to find true love for such a relationship are two separate issues. Nevertheless, the two are clearly intertwined. If single Christians meditate on the passage and embrace its meaning in its entirety, true love should be much more recognizable and much more easily distinguishable from the false forms of love found through lust, jealously, greed, pride and other sins.

But while single Christians have Paul’s beautiful words – inspired by the Holy Spirit – to remind everyone of the qualities of love, there doesn’t seem to be a guide on where to look to find it. And we all know that amazing husbands and wives don’t generally fall out of the sky. Although there’s no roadmap, there are some avenues single Christians can explore to try to find true love. Here are just six of them.

Praying For the Intercession of Saints

Shutterstock.com

When looking for love, some Christians are more shy and introspective. They tend to hope to find love organically – the way it usually happens in Hallmark movies and Christian romance novels. Thankfully, for introverts, there’s an avenue to explore that welcomes even the shyest Christians.

Praying to patron saints for their intercession could be the answer to many prayers. For instance, people who believe that lost loves might be the ones they’re looking for today could call upon Saint Anthony of Padua, the saint who many rely on to find lost things. For those who feel finding love is hopeless because of unusual circumstances, they could try seeking the help of Saint Jude Thaddeus, the Apostle known as the “patron saint of hopeless causes.”

For Christians who get swept away in the magic of Christmas, they might consider seeking the intercession of Saint Nicholas (better known as Santa Claus), who is the patron saint of many types of people, including unmarried men and women. And all single Christians can call upon Saint Raphael, one of the Archangels who stand before the throne of the Lord. He is the patron saint of travelers, happy meetings and love, as well as other things.

Joining Christian Groups

Shutterstock.com

Those single Christians who are just a little bit more outgoing might consider joining Christian groups that reflect their interests. If someone is hoping to find love, specifically, within his denomination, he might want to join a group at his church. It could be a Bible study group or a group that serves the needs of others. Some churches also have groups for young adults. Even if he doesn’t find love, he will strengthen his faith and make a difference in his church and community.

If someone is seeking a spouse of any Christian denomination, however, she could consider joining a group (online or in-person) that consists of Christians with common interests. For instance, there are groups for Christian filmmakers, Christian musicians, Christian writers and Christian booklovers. Because they’re not singles groups, they are still a good option for Christians who are seeking a more low-key option to find love.

Attending a Christian Event or Retreat

Shutterstock.com

Another low-key way for single Christians to possibly meet their future spouses is by attending Christian events or retreats that are open to both men and women. Many popular preachers, such as Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, Joyce Meyer and Ed Young hold events that encourage people of all ages to come together for worship and fellowship. Many denominations also hold mission trips and conferences for young adults. Even if attending a conference, event or retreat doesn’t lead to love, it could strengthen faith, provide inspiration and encouragement and result in new friendships.

Going to see one of the many Christian bands, singers and musicians that are currently on tour could also be an exciting activity that helps single Christians to find love. In a relaxed atmosphere where Christians are united in their musical tastes, it should be easy to find something to talk about. And if nothing else, they can enjoy a fun, memorable music-filled night or day of fellowship and friendship.

Notifying Family, Friends and Trusted Acquaintances

Shutterstock.com

In 1 Thessalonians 5, the Apostle Paul instructed “But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”

In his words, we are reminded that we are brothers and sisters in Christ, and we are charged with encouraging each other. It takes both courage and a humble attitude to notify family, friends and trusted acquaintances of a search for true love. But it’s possible that, among their own families, friends and trusted acquaintances are other single Christians who are on the same noble quest.

Joining Christian Dating Sites

Shutterstock.com

For Christians who are willing to be somewhat bold in their search, Christian dating sites might be a good way for them to find love. And there seem to be ones for almost everyone. There are Christian dating websites that cater to Christians, in general, and match them with other Christians of various denominations, based on age, attraction, interests, values, etc. And there are Christian dating websites that cater, specifically, to certain denominations, including Catholic, Methodist, Baptist and Lutheran. Utilizing one of the latter types of dating sites should increase the chances of finding someone with the same values and beliefs.

But while online dating sites are a common way of finding love, it’s important to note that there are also risks involved. There’s the risk of “shopping for love” and entering into relationships that are not Christ-centered. There’s also the risk of finding people whose intentions are not sincere or who are not who they portray themselves to be.

Joining Groups For Single Christians

Shutterstock.com

Finally, for outgoing Christians who are bold and confident in their quest to find true love, joining a group for single Christians might be the way that they can realize their dreams of marriage. It could be through joining a singles group at their churches, where they can find potential spouses to worship with and those who most likely share their values and beliefs. Or it could be through joining a local, national or international singles group for Christians of a certain denomination. This can be another way to ensure, as much as possible, that potential spouses are eligible to marry in a specific church.

Just like the online dating sites, there are also groups that welcome single Christians of all or various denominations. For instance, there are several MeetUp groups for single Christians in specific areas. There are also some similar groups on Facebook. While they have a social media presence, they also offer people the chance to meet each other in person.

The Problem With Casual Sex

Casual sex is inherently unhealthy. Read next feature >