1 00:00:00,240 --> 00:00:02,560 Dating within the Christian community can feel like 2 00:00:02,560 --> 00:00:05,139 a breath of fresh air. You're navigating 3 00:00:05,519 --> 00:00:08,480 values, faith, and goals hoping to find that 4 00:00:08,480 --> 00:00:09,939 deep spiritual connection 5 00:00:10,240 --> 00:00:12,015 that's more than just skin deep. 6 00:00:12,815 --> 00:00:13,315 However, 7 00:00:13,775 --> 00:00:16,095 as with any dating pool, you might come 8 00:00:16,095 --> 00:00:18,734 across people who aren't quite as sincere as 9 00:00:18,734 --> 00:00:19,475 they seem. 10 00:00:20,175 --> 00:00:23,635 Maybe it's subtle, an offhand comment, a questionable 11 00:00:23,855 --> 00:00:26,300 reaction during bible study, or the way they 12 00:00:26,300 --> 00:00:27,920 gloss over prayer time. 13 00:00:28,620 --> 00:00:31,019 If you're wondering whether your Christian date is 14 00:00:31,019 --> 00:00:33,679 being genuine or just putting on a front, 15 00:00:33,979 --> 00:00:34,880 you're not alone. 16 00:00:35,579 --> 00:00:37,835 In this guide, we'll explore some of the 17 00:00:37,835 --> 00:00:40,314 telltale signs that your date might not be 18 00:00:40,314 --> 00:00:42,174 as sincere as they appear. 19 00:00:42,715 --> 00:00:43,614 But don't worry, 20 00:00:43,994 --> 00:00:45,614 we'll keep it light and humorous 21 00:00:45,994 --> 00:00:46,895 because sometimes 22 00:00:47,274 --> 00:00:49,515 the best way to handle these things is 23 00:00:49,515 --> 00:00:50,655 with a little laughter. 24 00:00:51,359 --> 00:00:51,859 One, 25 00:00:52,479 --> 00:00:54,100 over the top bible knowledge 26 00:00:54,559 --> 00:00:55,699 with no depth. 27 00:00:56,479 --> 00:00:58,979 We all know someone who can quote scripture 28 00:00:59,039 --> 00:01:00,899 like they've got an internal concordance. 29 00:01:01,600 --> 00:01:03,759 But when you dig a little deeper, it 30 00:01:03,759 --> 00:01:07,094 becomes clear they're more interested in winning most 31 00:01:07,415 --> 00:01:10,155 pious award than living out those words. 32 00:01:10,534 --> 00:01:13,495 If your date is quoting verses left, right, 33 00:01:13,495 --> 00:01:16,055 and center, but seems to fumble when you 34 00:01:16,055 --> 00:01:18,694 ask them how those teachings have impacted their 35 00:01:18,694 --> 00:01:19,109 life, 36 00:01:19,670 --> 00:01:20,890 that's a red flag. 37 00:01:21,430 --> 00:01:23,590 Let's put it this way. If your date 38 00:01:23,590 --> 00:01:26,650 is rattling off first Corinthians like they're auditioning 39 00:01:26,709 --> 00:01:27,530 for a seminary, 40 00:01:27,989 --> 00:01:30,730 but their personal stories involve little more than, 41 00:01:30,950 --> 00:01:33,209 yeah, I really like that verse, 42 00:01:33,590 --> 00:01:35,564 it might be time to consider whether they're 43 00:01:35,564 --> 00:01:36,864 putting on a show. 44 00:01:37,244 --> 00:01:37,744 Remember, 45 00:01:38,204 --> 00:01:41,244 sincerity is about walking the walk, not just 46 00:01:41,244 --> 00:01:44,444 talking the talk. What to watch for? Do 47 00:01:44,444 --> 00:01:47,185 they have a real relationship with their faith 48 00:01:47,405 --> 00:01:49,724 or are they simply showing off their bible 49 00:01:49,724 --> 00:01:50,704 quoting skills? 50 00:01:51,450 --> 00:01:54,329 Ask them how a specific verse has shaped 51 00:01:54,329 --> 00:01:56,030 their actions or mindset. 52 00:01:56,569 --> 00:01:57,069 Two, 53 00:01:57,530 --> 00:01:59,630 prayers that feel like mini sermons. 54 00:02:00,170 --> 00:02:02,430 We all know that prayer is a conversation 55 00:02:02,569 --> 00:02:03,310 with God, 56 00:02:03,770 --> 00:02:04,270 intimate, 57 00:02:04,655 --> 00:02:06,515 personal, and most importantly, 58 00:02:06,974 --> 00:02:07,474 sincere. 59 00:02:08,175 --> 00:02:10,334 But if your date's prayers sound more like 60 00:02:10,334 --> 00:02:11,875 an audition for the pastorate, 61 00:02:12,334 --> 00:02:15,235 something's off. It's one thing to be eloquent. 62 00:02:15,615 --> 00:02:18,014 It's another to make every prayer a mini 63 00:02:18,014 --> 00:02:18,514 sermon. 64 00:02:18,990 --> 00:02:21,069 If your date's prayer goes on for five 65 00:02:21,069 --> 00:02:21,569 minutes, 66 00:02:21,870 --> 00:02:23,810 touching on every single theological 67 00:02:24,189 --> 00:02:26,750 point ever mentioned in a study guide, you 68 00:02:26,750 --> 00:02:27,810 might start wondering, 69 00:02:28,189 --> 00:02:30,129 are they praying or performing? 70 00:02:30,830 --> 00:02:33,550 Genuine prayer doesn't need to be impressive, it 71 00:02:33,550 --> 00:02:35,084 just needs to be heartfelt. 72 00:02:35,784 --> 00:02:38,344 What to watch for? Are they praying with 73 00:02:38,344 --> 00:02:38,844 sincerity? 74 00:02:39,305 --> 00:02:41,724 Or do they seem more concerned with impressing 75 00:02:41,784 --> 00:02:45,084 you or God with their theological knowledge? 76 00:02:45,544 --> 00:02:48,264 If you find yourself mentally timing how long 77 00:02:48,264 --> 00:02:50,340 they've been at it, that might be a 78 00:02:50,340 --> 00:02:50,840 clue. 79 00:02:51,300 --> 00:02:51,800 Three, 80 00:02:52,180 --> 00:02:54,280 their church attendance seems a bit 81 00:02:54,580 --> 00:02:55,080 performative. 82 00:02:55,860 --> 00:02:57,700 It's great to have a date who loves 83 00:02:57,700 --> 00:03:00,040 attending church, but here's the kicker. 84 00:03:00,419 --> 00:03:02,680 Are they going because they're deeply engaged, 85 00:03:03,044 --> 00:03:05,384 or is it more about maintaining an image? 86 00:03:05,764 --> 00:03:08,004 You know the type. They check into every 87 00:03:08,004 --> 00:03:09,944 Sunday service on social media, 88 00:03:10,245 --> 00:03:13,125 post selfies from bible study, and make sure 89 00:03:13,125 --> 00:03:15,384 everyone knows they're at all the events. 90 00:03:15,925 --> 00:03:18,324 If their involvement feels more like a PR 91 00:03:18,324 --> 00:03:18,824 campaign 92 00:03:19,180 --> 00:03:20,000 than genuine 93 00:03:20,620 --> 00:03:21,199 spiritual engagement, 94 00:03:21,580 --> 00:03:22,319 take note. 95 00:03:22,699 --> 00:03:23,680 Here's the truth. 96 00:03:24,060 --> 00:03:27,020 Sincere people go to church because they're seeking 97 00:03:27,020 --> 00:03:28,319 community and growth. 98 00:03:28,939 --> 00:03:29,439 Insincere 99 00:03:29,740 --> 00:03:32,055 people go because it looks good on their 100 00:03:32,055 --> 00:03:33,034 dating profile. 101 00:03:33,495 --> 00:03:34,795 What to watch for? 102 00:03:35,175 --> 00:03:37,495 Ask about what their church community means to 103 00:03:37,495 --> 00:03:39,995 them. If they have a hard time describing 104 00:03:40,055 --> 00:03:41,995 any real connections or impact, 105 00:03:42,455 --> 00:03:44,335 that might signal they're just clocking in for 106 00:03:44,335 --> 00:03:45,120 appearances sake. Four, they're overly judgmental of others' 107 00:03:51,039 --> 00:03:51,939 judgmental dater. 108 00:03:52,319 --> 00:03:54,099 A classic sign of insincerity. 109 00:03:54,799 --> 00:03:57,439 If your Christian date is constantly pointing out 110 00:03:57,439 --> 00:04:00,224 the flaws in everyone else's faith journey, it 111 00:04:00,224 --> 00:04:02,144 might be a red flag that they're more 112 00:04:02,144 --> 00:04:05,185 concerned with appearing holier than thou than they 113 00:04:05,185 --> 00:04:06,644 are with genuine connection. 114 00:04:07,185 --> 00:04:07,685 Look, 115 00:04:07,985 --> 00:04:09,685 nobody's faith is perfect. 116 00:04:09,985 --> 00:04:12,305 We're all on a journey trying to figure 117 00:04:12,305 --> 00:04:14,939 things out. But if your date is busy 118 00:04:14,939 --> 00:04:17,360 criticizing everyone else's church attendance, 119 00:04:18,060 --> 00:04:19,919 prayer life, or gasp denomination, 120 00:04:20,939 --> 00:04:23,259 it could indicate that they're insecure in their 121 00:04:23,259 --> 00:04:24,000 own faith. 122 00:04:24,620 --> 00:04:27,279 Insincere people often deflect attention 123 00:04:27,740 --> 00:04:29,404 away from their their own shortcomings 124 00:04:30,104 --> 00:04:32,044 by pointing out those of others. 125 00:04:32,504 --> 00:04:35,144 What to watch for? Do they offer grace 126 00:04:35,144 --> 00:04:38,264 and understanding when talking about others' faith, or 127 00:04:38,264 --> 00:04:41,339 are they quick to judge? A sincere Christian 128 00:04:41,399 --> 00:04:44,279 recognizes the flaws in their own walk before 129 00:04:44,279 --> 00:04:46,060 pointing out those in others. 130 00:04:46,600 --> 00:04:47,100 Five, 131 00:04:47,480 --> 00:04:50,060 they avoid tough questions about faith. 132 00:04:50,600 --> 00:04:52,759 Dating a fellow Christian is about more than 133 00:04:52,759 --> 00:04:53,580 shared beliefs. 134 00:04:53,954 --> 00:04:56,834 It's about shared values and growth. If you're 135 00:04:56,834 --> 00:04:59,334 trying to have a deep conversation about faith, 136 00:04:59,634 --> 00:05:00,534 life challenges, 137 00:05:00,834 --> 00:05:03,634 or even doubts, but your date keeps dodging 138 00:05:03,634 --> 00:05:05,894 the topic like it's a theological minefield, 139 00:05:06,479 --> 00:05:08,019 that's cause for concern. 140 00:05:08,560 --> 00:05:11,680 Faith isn't always easy and genuine Christians will 141 00:05:11,680 --> 00:05:13,199 acknowledge that. What 142 00:05:13,919 --> 00:05:17,360 sincerity and faith involves being open about struggles 143 00:05:17,360 --> 00:05:18,019 and questions. 144 00:05:18,479 --> 00:05:20,639 If your date can't engage in these kinds 145 00:05:20,639 --> 00:05:23,654 of conversations or worse, if they get defensive 146 00:05:23,654 --> 00:05:24,555 when you try, 147 00:05:24,855 --> 00:05:26,615 it might be a sign they're not as 148 00:05:26,615 --> 00:05:27,995 invested as they claim. 149 00:05:29,095 --> 00:05:31,654 What to watch for? Do they seem open 150 00:05:31,654 --> 00:05:33,735 to discussing both the highs and lows of 151 00:05:33,735 --> 00:05:34,954 their spiritual journey? 152 00:05:35,254 --> 00:05:37,730 Or do they steer every conversation back to 153 00:05:37,730 --> 00:05:39,029 surface level niceties? 154 00:05:39,970 --> 00:05:42,930 Sincere people won't shy away from discussing tough 155 00:05:42,930 --> 00:05:43,430 topics. 156 00:05:44,850 --> 00:05:47,589 Six, the too good to be true syndrome. 157 00:05:48,209 --> 00:05:50,689 If your date seems too perfect, like they've 158 00:05:50,689 --> 00:05:53,035 stepped straight out of a Christian romance novel, 159 00:05:53,254 --> 00:05:55,735 there might be reason to pause. It's one 160 00:05:55,735 --> 00:05:57,495 thing to be committed to living a Christ 161 00:05:57,495 --> 00:06:00,134 centered life. It's another to pretend like you've 162 00:06:00,134 --> 00:06:02,535 got it all figured out. If your date 163 00:06:02,535 --> 00:06:04,395 never acknowledges any mistakes, 164 00:06:04,730 --> 00:06:05,870 doubts, or imperfections, 165 00:06:06,490 --> 00:06:08,910 there's a chance they're more focused on projecting 166 00:06:08,970 --> 00:06:11,449 an image than being honest about who they 167 00:06:11,449 --> 00:06:14,330 are. We're all sinners after all. So if 168 00:06:14,330 --> 00:06:16,569 your date is portraying themselves as someone who's 169 00:06:16,569 --> 00:06:19,209 never missed a quiet time, never struggled with 170 00:06:19,209 --> 00:06:22,264 faith, and never gotten impatient in traffic because 171 00:06:22,264 --> 00:06:24,584 let's be real, that's a challenge for all 172 00:06:24,584 --> 00:06:26,345 of us. It could be a sign that 173 00:06:26,345 --> 00:06:27,725 they're putting on a show. 174 00:06:28,345 --> 00:06:30,745 What to watch for. Are they willing to 175 00:06:30,745 --> 00:06:32,365 admit their mistakes and weaknesses, 176 00:06:32,665 --> 00:06:34,639 or could they paint themselves as the perfect 177 00:06:34,639 --> 00:06:35,139 Christian? 178 00:06:35,680 --> 00:06:38,100 Sincere people aren't afraid to be vulnerable. 179 00:06:39,680 --> 00:06:40,180 Seven, 180 00:06:40,639 --> 00:06:42,660 actions speak louder than words. 181 00:06:43,040 --> 00:06:45,324 This is the big one, folks. At the 182 00:06:45,324 --> 00:06:46,764 end of the day, it's not about what 183 00:06:46,764 --> 00:06:47,824 your date says. 184 00:06:48,125 --> 00:06:50,444 It's about what they do. Are they living 185 00:06:50,444 --> 00:06:52,764 out their faith in tangible ways, or is 186 00:06:52,764 --> 00:06:54,064 it all just talk? 187 00:06:54,524 --> 00:06:57,000 Sincerity is demonstrated through action. 188 00:06:57,560 --> 00:07:00,139 How they treat others, how they handle challenges, 189 00:07:00,360 --> 00:07:02,060 and how they navigate relationships. 190 00:07:02,839 --> 00:07:04,920 If your date talks a big game about 191 00:07:04,920 --> 00:07:08,040 loving others but treats the waiter poorly, that's 192 00:07:08,040 --> 00:07:08,939 a red flag. 193 00:07:09,314 --> 00:07:11,634 If they talk about generosity but seem to 194 00:07:11,634 --> 00:07:13,175 hoard their time and resources, 195 00:07:13,634 --> 00:07:14,455 take note. 196 00:07:14,995 --> 00:07:17,314 Faith isn't just a series of beliefs. It's 197 00:07:17,314 --> 00:07:18,375 a way of life. 198 00:07:19,235 --> 00:07:20,535 What to watch for. 199 00:07:20,915 --> 00:07:23,259 Pay attention to how they treat people, how 200 00:07:23,259 --> 00:07:25,839 they serve others, and how they handle difficult 201 00:07:25,979 --> 00:07:26,479 situations. 202 00:07:27,339 --> 00:07:30,300 Sincere Christians live out their faith even when 203 00:07:30,300 --> 00:07:31,120 it's inconvenient. 204 00:07:32,539 --> 00:07:33,039 Eight, 205 00:07:33,419 --> 00:07:35,839 they avoid accountability like the plague. 206 00:07:36,235 --> 00:07:38,735 We all need accountability in our faith journeys. 207 00:07:38,955 --> 00:07:40,955 But if your date bristles at the idea 208 00:07:40,955 --> 00:07:43,435 of being held accountable or avoids any kind 209 00:07:43,435 --> 00:07:44,654 of spiritual mentorship, 210 00:07:45,035 --> 00:07:46,715 that's a sign they might not be as 211 00:07:46,715 --> 00:07:48,014 committed as they appear. 212 00:07:48,649 --> 00:07:51,610 Genuine Christians recognize the importance of being in 213 00:07:51,610 --> 00:07:52,829 community with others, 214 00:07:53,209 --> 00:07:55,769 allowing themselves to be sharpened and refined by 215 00:07:55,769 --> 00:07:56,589 fellow believers. 216 00:07:57,290 --> 00:07:59,370 If your date can't name a single person 217 00:07:59,370 --> 00:08:01,845 who holds them accountable in their spiritual life 218 00:08:02,004 --> 00:08:03,685 or if they seem to scoff at the 219 00:08:03,685 --> 00:08:04,185 idea, 220 00:08:04,485 --> 00:08:06,564 it could mean they're not really interested in 221 00:08:06,564 --> 00:08:07,704 growing in their faith. 222 00:08:08,564 --> 00:08:11,524 What to watch for. Ask about their mentors 223 00:08:11,524 --> 00:08:14,404 or accountability partners. If they can't think of 224 00:08:14,404 --> 00:08:16,324 anyone or if they seem dismissive of the 225 00:08:16,324 --> 00:08:16,824 idea, 226 00:08:17,290 --> 00:08:18,910 that might be a red flag. 227 00:08:20,009 --> 00:08:20,509 Conclusion. 228 00:08:21,129 --> 00:08:23,069 It's okay to laugh and learn. 229 00:08:23,449 --> 00:08:26,170 Let's be honest. Navigating the dating world as 230 00:08:26,170 --> 00:08:28,090 a Christian can feel like walking a tight 231 00:08:28,090 --> 00:08:28,910 rope sometimes. 232 00:08:29,290 --> 00:08:31,210 You want to find someone who shares your 233 00:08:31,210 --> 00:08:33,044 faith, but you also want to make sure 234 00:08:33,044 --> 00:08:34,024 they're sincere. 235 00:08:34,485 --> 00:08:37,284 By paying attention to these telltale signs and 236 00:08:37,284 --> 00:08:39,684 keeping your sense of humor intact, you can 237 00:08:39,684 --> 00:08:41,705 protect your heart and your time. 238 00:08:42,085 --> 00:08:42,585 Remember, 239 00:08:43,125 --> 00:08:45,684 nobody's perfect, and you don't need to expect 240 00:08:45,684 --> 00:08:48,024 your date to be either. But sincerity, 241 00:08:48,570 --> 00:08:49,470 that's nonnegotiable. 242 00:08:50,490 --> 00:08:51,309 Stay prayerful, 243 00:08:51,610 --> 00:08:53,850 keep your eyes open, and don't be afraid 244 00:08:53,850 --> 00:08:56,590 to trust your gut or laugh when necessary. 245 00:08:57,049 --> 00:08:59,049 With a little discernment and a lot of 246 00:08:59,049 --> 00:09:01,129 grace, you'll be well on your way to 247 00:09:01,129 --> 00:09:03,549 finding a relationship that's built on truth, 248 00:09:03,850 --> 00:09:06,642 faith, and, yes, a good sense of humor.