As Christians, we date purposefully. We’re not trying out ideas or seeing where things go. We date with intentions and one of them is to further the Kingdom of God through our union. Apart from the assignment, I believe anyone who must enjoy a healthy relationship/marriage must put in the work. Whether you just started dating or you’re about to get married, the quality of time you spend with your partner will be evident in how you know them and know how to love them.

Contrary to what many people may have believed, Christian romantic relationships are not boring and you can have fun without compromising your faith. It is a different kind of work to have fun while putting God at the center. It’s work but it’s good work. It’s work that has good reward.

Grab a seat. Let’s find out how to spice things up, on this side of romantic relationships.

Here are some gift and outing ideas to nurture your relationship (soul and spirit) with your partner: Gifts that Nurture the Spirit & Soul:

1. Devotional Duos: Find a devotional book you can both read together. This can be a daily, weekly, or monthly devotional, with discussions about faith, and shared reflections. This gift helps you keep your relationship God-centred and brings you truly close to each other. The focus can range from spiritual growth, insights, prayers, or even building the family.

2. His & Hers Prayer Journals: This is a fantastic way to connect, spirits first. Couples that pray together stay together. Intentionally crafting out time to pray together and record the journey/testimonies will bring you closer to God and yourselves.

3. Faith-Based Jewelry: A simple necklace with a cross, a bracelet or keychain with a scripture verse, or a ring with a meaningful symbol can be a constant reminder of your faith and proof of your love for each other.

4. Framed Scripture Art: Find a piece of artwork featuring a verse that resonates with your relationship. This will be the perfect touch of beauty and inspiration to their space.

5. Customized Art: This can be wearable or for decoration. A pillow that says “Perfect love casts out all fear”, a mug that says “Jesus, every day”, and a T-shirt that says “Saved & Sanctified”. Customized gifts tend to carry a fragrance of intentionality and thoughtfulness.

6. Experiences Over Things: Tickets to a Christian concert, a retreat focused on strengthening relationships, sip and paint, or a couples' cooking class. Give them a live experience of something they love.

7. Affirmation Cards: Nothing says “I love you and I want to see you grow” better than affirmation cards. If you’re a man, one of the responsibilities you’ve been tasked with is to ‘present your wife holy and blameless before God’. During your courtship, you can practice the art of washing her with words by getting her great affirmation cards. Ladies can also do the same for their men especially if Words of Affirmation are a big deal to them.

8. Scented Candles: A great way to help your partner get comfortable in their environment is smell. Scented candles provide cozy, warm, and relaxing aesthetics to anyone’s home. Imagine being remembered by a cozy ambiance because of a gift you gave. How cool is that?!

9. Scriptures in a Jar: The words of the Lord, in their house, on their work table, on their nightstand, on their wardrobe, in their current book. What’s more beautiful?

Outings that Nourish the Spirit & Soul:

1. Church Events and Activities: This is more enjoyable than you’d think. Serving God together in His house or participating in activities like game nights, movies and mingling, or even group bible studies is surely one way to spice up your relationship. It's a wonderful way to connect with your faith community and get to know each other better in a relaxed setting.

2. Nature Walks with a Purpose: Take a walk to or around a local park, a field, the beach, or a street you’ve always wanted to see. You can take time to reflect on the beauty of God's creation, and share your thoughts or even have conversations around your topics of interest.

3. "Faithful Film" Night: Choose movies with inspiring themes or positive messages that resonate with your values. You can discuss the film afterward.
4. Volunteer Together: Give back to your community by volunteering at a food bank, shelter, or even blood donations.

5. Attend a Christian Concert or Play: You can enjoy pure entertainment without tainting your faith. A Christian Concert or Stage-play will help you realize that.

6. Couple's Retreat: Invest in a weekend getaway focused on strengthening your bond through spiritual workshops, shared prayer, and quiet reflection. It could also be a couples’ bootcamp for dating couples.

7. Game Nights with a Twist: Gather with other Christian couples for board games or card games, adding a fun element with faith-based questions or challenges.

Remember, the most important element is spending quality time together and reminding yourselves how blessed you are to have each other. Whether it's a simple picnic in the park with heartfelt conversation or a weekend getaway focused on spiritual growth, make it an opportunity to connect on a deeper level.

May your Christian dating journey be filled with joy, faith-filled moments, and the experiences that you can always look forward to!