So now that I'm a Christian, what does my love life look like?

I've been thinking a lot about this. There are of course obvious differences, like the purity of a relationship. But in terms of getting to the relationship stage anyway, I've been curious what the biblical approach is to getting to know someone/finding a mate.

I. Court in purity.
Paul said to Timothy, “...keep thyself pure” (I Timothy 5:22). He also said to the Thessalonians, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour” (I Thessalonians 4:3,4).
The Bible plainly teaches in these two passages purity and abstinence from sexual misconduct. Paul is saying that everyone in Christ has the ability to possess his vessel or in other words, control his or her body, as Paul also spoke “...but I will not be brought under the power of any” (I Corinthians 6:12). To stay under control, it is important to not do those things that would on purpose stir up the sensual desires.

II. Court someone who is fun.
One of the saddest things is to see a couple get serious too fast. Part of the fruit of a not-so-ripe involvement is an inordinate jealousy and possessiveness. You will be doing yourself a big favor by putting this relationship on hold or consider this: God may have allowed the discontent because you are either too early involved or you are pursuing the wrong person. Any couple can have an every now and then quarrel, but a continual unhappiness is definitely not God’s plan. “...no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11). The Bible says, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11). If the presence of God brings pleasure, would He assign any of His children the rigorous task of being with a person whose very presence robs you of the joy of the Lord?

III. Court someone who brings out the best in you.
I have noticed when a person is courting in the will of God, better qualities come out. There is contentment, a smile, a willingness to help people, not hurt people. The lust factor diminishes as the love factor blossoms. No wonder the Bible says, “House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD” (Proverbs 19:14). “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD” (Proverbs 18:22).

IV. Court someone who brings you closer to God.
This has to be one of the great tests of a genuine, God sent, made-in-Heaven courtship, which leads to marriage, i.e. “Does the person I’m courting bring me closer to God?” If partaking of the company in a serious courtship is taking you out of service for God and taking your heart from God, then something needs to be re-evaluated quickly.

These aren't all things I've examined this past year. I hope that in the future they're ideals that I can stand firmly in!