January 30, 2025 • 16 mins
Navigating the world of modern dating can feel like being on a never-ending hamster wheel, especially for Christian singles seeking a faith-driven connection. This episode shines a light on the often-overlooked pitfalls of these digital platforms—how they might feel more like a marketplace than a meeting place for genuine connection. From the allure of convenience to the reality of surface-level interactions and choice overload, We discuss why dating apps may not always align with the divine vision of love.
Listeners will gain insights into the limitations of app-based dating, including the challenges of maintaining authenticity and the crucial mistake of leaving God out of the equation. Renee shares her expert perspective on how these platforms can lead to disillusionment, offering hope and alternative strategies for those committed to fostering meaningful, faith-led relationships.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Renee Richel (00:07):
Hi, I'm Renee Richel, the founder and
president of 1 True Match.
I'm here to help you find andcultivate the love of your life.
For over a decade, I'vededicated my life to the
importance, purpose and dynamicof human relationships.
My team and I are disciplinedby faith, love and integrity to
help our clients find thequality relationship they've
(00:28):
always dreamt of.
Each week, I will be sharingthe tools and tips I've learned
that have rooted my success as amatchmaker with other leaders
around.
Hello, loves, welcome back.
Today's topic is so huge intoday's day and age of dating
(00:51):
and apps.
Today we're going to talk aboutthe truth about dating apps.
Do they work for Christiansingles?
I have so much to share, sowe're going to dive right in on
this topic.
This is a great conversation tohave today because it's one
that I know so many of you havewritten into us with questions
(01:12):
about the truth about datingapps.
Do they work for Christians?
Dating in today's world is tough.
It can feel overwhelming,exhausting and, honestly, a
little discouraging.
Maybe you've been on apps,swiping left and right, hoping
to find someone who gets you,someone who shares your values,
(01:35):
someone who feels like home, andinstead you've found yourself
feeling more disconnected, morefrustrated and wondering is this
really the way God intendedlove to work?
Trust me, you are not alone.
(01:56):
I've talked to so many of ourclients who felt this exact same
way, like they're spinning onthis endless hamster wheel, but
not getting anywhere close tofinding the kind of relationship
their heart is longing for.
There's good news, a promiseyou are not stuck, you're not
(02:20):
forgotten, and you don't have tosettle for something that
doesn't align with the beautiful, god-centered love he has
designed for you.
So today we're going to dive into why dating apps often miss
the mark for Christians, whythey can feel so unfulfilling,
(02:40):
and how there's a better way toapproach dating, a way that
keeps God at the center andhonors the desires he placed in
your heart.
If you're ever felt discouragedor disillusioned by the modern
dating scene, this episode isfor you.
(03:01):
So grab your coffee or tea andsettle in, and let's have an
honest and encouraging and openheart to heart about what dating
could look like when faithleads the way.
The appeal of dating apps whypeople love to swipe.
Let's start by why dating appsare so popular.
(03:22):
They're convenient, right.
You can meet people from thecomfort of your home, scrolling
and swiping whenever you have aspare moment.
For many, it feels like amodern solution to an age-old
challenge finding someone whoaligns with your lifestyle and
(03:44):
values.
In theory, it's a good concept.
However, the real userexperience of these apps is
often the downside.
Here's the catch.
Dating apps are designed tokeep you swiping, not
necessarily to help you find ameaningful, lasting relationship
(04:05):
.
They focus heavily onappearance those perfect selfies
and curated bios and forChristians who desire something
deeper and God-centered, thisapproach can feel well shallow
and judgmental.
Ephesians 4.2 says we're calledto approach relationships with
(04:27):
humility and gentleness, withpatience, bearing with one
another in love.
How can we do that when datingfeels more like shopping?
It's no wonder so many peopleleave these platforms feeling
frustrated and disillusioned.
Let's dig in a little deeperinto why dating apps can and
(04:51):
have worked for some people.
However, they also often don'twork, especially for those of us
who are faith-focused.
Why is that?
Number one, surface levelconnections.
Dating apps prioritize looksand quick first impressions.
(05:11):
How many amazing people getoverlooked because their photos
aren't perfectly curated?
Or worse, how many times havewe been drawn to someone who
looked great on the surface butwasn't a great match for our
values and or our personality?
(05:34):
Two choice overload.
There tends to be anoverwhelming amount of options.
Too many options is not alwaysbetter.
Having too many choices canlead to decision fatigue and,
instead of focusing onmeaningful connections, people
(05:55):
can get stuck in an endless loopof mindlessly swiping.
Three a lack of authenticity.
On apps, people can hide behindthe screen.
Without accountability or ashared community.
It's easier for someone tomisrepresent themselves or treat
(06:18):
dating casually rather thanwith intention.
Number four leaving God out.
This is a big one.
Most dating apps don'tencourage or guide you to
include God in the process and,as Proverbs 19.21 reminds us,
(06:38):
many are the plans in a person'sheart, but it is the Lord's
purpose that prevails.
If God isn't at the center,it's easy to lose focus on what
truly matters and get lost inthe noise of the digital dating
world.
Emily, one of our clients, oncetold me how drained she felt
(07:02):
after months of being on thedating apps.
She said hey, I feel like I wasjust another face in the crowd
and no one was really seeing mefor who I was.
That's when she came to us atOne True Match, and the
transformation of her journeyhas been incredible.
(07:22):
In today's modern digital wayof dating, the apps can leave
you feeling drained, discouragedor starving for something more
fulfilling.
I believe there's a betteralternative to modern day dating
personalized Christianmatchmaking At One True Match.
Our approach is all aboutslowing things down and bringing
(07:46):
God back into the equation.
Our approach is rooted inprayer, purpose and personal
connection.
We take the time to really getto know you, your heart, your
dream, your goals, your desires,your values everything that
makes you who you are.
(08:07):
It's not about creating aperfect profile.
It's about finding the rightperson God has handpicked for
you.
Our goal is to build you up andhelp you become your best self
so that when the right persondoes come along that we have
found for you, you are ready.
It's about the quality of theperson, not the quantity of the
(08:31):
potential people, and alwayshonoring God throughout the
process.
Our team strives to fosterpurposeful connections for our
couples.
Instead of swiping throughstrangers, you're introduced to
people who have beenthoughtfully matched with you.
(08:51):
We focus on character, faithand long-term compatibility, not
just physical attraction.
Of course.
We want you to have thatattraction to that person that
we know God will lead you to.
Unlike dating apps where you'reon your own, our team walks
with you every step of the way,from your first introduction to
(09:12):
your final first date and evenbeyond.
We're here to support,encourage and pray for you To
this day, with over 400successful marriages.
I love checking in with ourmarried couples and staying
connected throughout their lifetogether.
God is the heart of ourbusiness.
(09:34):
I founded One True Match tochange the divorce rate and
match more incredible heartstogether.
God is love.
The more we help people findone another, the more love will
be in this world.
Every match and every client wehave are covered in prayer.
We ask God for wisdom anddiscernment and for his will to
(09:58):
be done.
Take Ryan and Jess, for example.
They both came to us afterfrustrating experiences with
dating apps.
Through our process, theydiscovered they had more in
common than they ever thoughtpossible.
Today they're married, servingin their church together, and a
(10:19):
living proof that God's best isalways worth the wait.
There's something beautifulabout slowing down and getting
to know someone in person.
In today's digital world, we'veforgotten to see the joy in
sitting across from somebody,hearing their laugh and sharing
(10:40):
a real, authentic and meaningfulmoment together moment together
.
In Romans 12, 2, it reminds usdo not conform to the platform
of this world, but betransformed by the renewing of
your mind.
That's what faith-basedmatchmaking is all about
Renewing your perspective onlove and trusting God to guide
(11:05):
the process.
So ask yourself am Iapproaching dating with God's
values, or am I letting culturedictate the process?
Am I being intentional aboutbuilding a relationship that
honors God?
Have I truly surrendered mytimeline to him, trusting that
(11:29):
he knows what's best for me?
When you keep God at the center, the waiting doesn't feel so
heavy.
Instead, it feels full of peaceand purpose.
In conclusion, dating intoday's world can be difficult.
I get it.
Whether you've been ghosted,disappointed or just plain
(11:53):
exhausted from swiping, it iseasy to feel like love is
slipping through your fingers ona daily basis.
I want to remind you ofsomething so beautiful.
God has not forgotten you.
He sees your heart.
He knows your desires.
Your prayers whispered late atnight and the tears you've shed
(12:16):
when things don't work out.
And the tears you've shed whenthings don't work out.
If you're feeling disheartened,you are not alone.
The Lord is walking alongsideof you and he has a plan for
your life that is moreincredible than you can imagine.
It might not feel like what youexpected.
(12:38):
It rarely does.
His plans are always good.
In Jeremiah 29, 11, my favoriteverse is the testament of this,
for I know the plans I have foryou, declares the Lord.
Plans to prosper you and not toharm you.
Plans to give you hope and afuture.
(13:00):
I've seen it firsthand with somany of our clients.
They come to us frustrated bythe dating world, unsure of what
to do next, but they step outin faith, trusting God and
opening their hearts to love.
And when they surrender thatcontrol, incredible things
happen.
(13:20):
I think of one of our clients,tom, who was so weary from the
endless cycle of apps he wantedto give up on dating altogether,
but then, through ourmatchmaking process, god
connected him with Sierra, awoman who shared his values and
(13:42):
his vision for the future.
Today they're planning awedding for next year and
couldn't be more in love withone another.
That could be you.
God is writing your love storytoo, and it's a story worth
waiting for.
So don't lose hope.
Don't settle for something lessthan what you deserve.
(14:05):
Whether you find love throughOne True Match, your church
community or in some unexpectedway, hold tight in this.
God's timing is perfect and hislove for you is unmatched.
You are so worthy of arelationship that reflects God's
love, a love that is patient,kind and enduring, and I believe
(14:30):
with all my heart that it isout there waiting for you.
Stay prayerful, stay expectantand trust that God is preparing
someone extraordinary for you.
God's best is always worthwaiting for.
Your journey to love isn't over.
(14:52):
It's just beginning.
I hope you have found thishelpful, beneficial and
inspiring Tune in every Thursdayas we have a new podcast that
comes out.
If you have any questions, Ialways love hearing from you, as
well as if you know somebodyelse that could really use this
message.
Please share, like andsubscribe to our channel.
(15:13):
We also have many otherpodcasts for our dating, engaged
and married couples.
Next week in this series, weare going to talk about the
purity with a purpose findingjoy in God's design for physical
intimacy.
I hope you have a blessed weekand I can't wait for our next
(15:33):
chat.
I'm going to love and leave you.
It's been another great talk onthis episode of 1 True Talks by
Renee Richel.
I look forward to our next chat.
Please write in your questionsand comments so I can be sure to
talk about whatever it is youwant to discuss in our next
(15:55):
upcoming episode.
Lots of love,
Hi, I'm Renee Richel, the founder and
president of 1 True Match.
I'm here to help you find andcultivate the love of your life.
For over a decade, I'vededicated my life to the
importance, purpose and dynamicof human relationships.
My team and I are disciplinedby faith, love and integrity to
help our clients find thequality relationship they've
(00:28):
always dreamt of.
Each week, I will be sharingthe tools and tips I've learned
that have rooted my success as amatchmaker with other leaders
around.
Hello, loves, welcome back.
Today's topic is so huge intoday's day and age of dating
(00:51):
and apps.
Today we're going to talk aboutthe truth about dating apps.
Do they work for Christiansingles?
I have so much to share, sowe're going to dive right in on
this topic.
This is a great conversation tohave today because it's one
that I know so many of you havewritten into us with questions
(01:12):
about the truth about datingapps.
Do they work for Christians?
Dating in today's world is tough.
It can feel overwhelming,exhausting and, honestly, a
little discouraging.
Maybe you've been on apps,swiping left and right, hoping
to find someone who gets you,someone who shares your values,
(01:35):
someone who feels like home, andinstead you've found yourself
feeling more disconnected, morefrustrated and wondering is this
really the way God intendedlove to work?
Trust me, you are not alone.
(01:56):
I've talked to so many of ourclients who felt this exact same
way, like they're spinning onthis endless hamster wheel, but
not getting anywhere close tofinding the kind of relationship
their heart is longing for.
There's good news, a promiseyou are not stuck, you're not
(02:20):
forgotten, and you don't have tosettle for something that
doesn't align with the beautiful, god-centered love he has
designed for you.
So today we're going to dive into why dating apps often miss
the mark for Christians, whythey can feel so unfulfilling,
(02:40):
and how there's a better way toapproach dating, a way that
keeps God at the center andhonors the desires he placed in
your heart.
If you're ever felt discouragedor disillusioned by the modern
dating scene, this episode isfor you.
(03:01):
So grab your coffee or tea andsettle in, and let's have an
honest and encouraging and openheart to heart about what dating
could look like when faithleads the way.
The appeal of dating apps whypeople love to swipe.
Let's start by why dating appsare so popular.
(03:22):
They're convenient, right.
You can meet people from thecomfort of your home, scrolling
and swiping whenever you have aspare moment.
For many, it feels like amodern solution to an age-old
challenge finding someone whoaligns with your lifestyle and
(03:44):
values.
In theory, it's a good concept.
However, the real userexperience of these apps is
often the downside.
Here's the catch.
Dating apps are designed tokeep you swiping, not
necessarily to help you find ameaningful, lasting relationship
(04:05):
.
They focus heavily onappearance those perfect selfies
and curated bios and forChristians who desire something
deeper and God-centered, thisapproach can feel well shallow
and judgmental.
Ephesians 4.2 says we're calledto approach relationships with
(04:27):
humility and gentleness, withpatience, bearing with one
another in love.
How can we do that when datingfeels more like shopping?
It's no wonder so many peopleleave these platforms feeling
frustrated and disillusioned.
Let's dig in a little deeperinto why dating apps can and
(04:51):
have worked for some people.
However, they also often don'twork, especially for those of us
who are faith-focused.
Why is that?
Number one, surface levelconnections.
Dating apps prioritize looksand quick first impressions.
(05:11):
How many amazing people getoverlooked because their photos
aren't perfectly curated?
Or worse, how many times havewe been drawn to someone who
looked great on the surface butwasn't a great match for our
values and or our personality?
(05:34):
Two choice overload.
There tends to be anoverwhelming amount of options.
Too many options is not alwaysbetter.
Having too many choices canlead to decision fatigue and,
instead of focusing onmeaningful connections, people
(05:55):
can get stuck in an endless loopof mindlessly swiping.
Three a lack of authenticity.
On apps, people can hide behindthe screen.
Without accountability or ashared community.
It's easier for someone tomisrepresent themselves or treat
(06:18):
dating casually rather thanwith intention.
Number four leaving God out.
This is a big one.
Most dating apps don'tencourage or guide you to
include God in the process and,as Proverbs 19.21 reminds us,
(06:38):
many are the plans in a person'sheart, but it is the Lord's
purpose that prevails.
If God isn't at the center,it's easy to lose focus on what
truly matters and get lost inthe noise of the digital dating
world.
Emily, one of our clients, oncetold me how drained she felt
(07:02):
after months of being on thedating apps.
She said hey, I feel like I wasjust another face in the crowd
and no one was really seeing mefor who I was.
That's when she came to us atOne True Match, and the
transformation of her journeyhas been incredible.
(07:22):
In today's modern digital wayof dating, the apps can leave
you feeling drained, discouragedor starving for something more
fulfilling.
I believe there's a betteralternative to modern day dating
personalized Christianmatchmaking At One True Match.
Our approach is all aboutslowing things down and bringing
(07:46):
God back into the equation.
Our approach is rooted inprayer, purpose and personal
connection.
We take the time to really getto know you, your heart, your
dream, your goals, your desires,your values everything that
makes you who you are.
(08:07):
It's not about creating aperfect profile.
It's about finding the rightperson God has handpicked for
you.
Our goal is to build you up andhelp you become your best self
so that when the right persondoes come along that we have
found for you, you are ready.
It's about the quality of theperson, not the quantity of the
(08:31):
potential people, and alwayshonoring God throughout the
process.
Our team strives to fosterpurposeful connections for our
couples.
Instead of swiping throughstrangers, you're introduced to
people who have beenthoughtfully matched with you.
(08:51):
We focus on character, faithand long-term compatibility, not
just physical attraction.
Of course.
We want you to have thatattraction to that person that
we know God will lead you to.
Unlike dating apps where you'reon your own, our team walks
with you every step of the way,from your first introduction to
(09:12):
your final first date and evenbeyond.
We're here to support,encourage and pray for you To
this day, with over 400successful marriages.
I love checking in with ourmarried couples and staying
connected throughout their lifetogether.
God is the heart of ourbusiness.
(09:34):
I founded One True Match tochange the divorce rate and
match more incredible heartstogether.
God is love.
The more we help people findone another, the more love will
be in this world.
Every match and every client wehave are covered in prayer.
We ask God for wisdom anddiscernment and for his will to
(09:58):
be done.
Take Ryan and Jess, for example.
They both came to us afterfrustrating experiences with
dating apps.
Through our process, theydiscovered they had more in
common than they ever thoughtpossible.
Today they're married, servingin their church together, and a
(10:19):
living proof that God's best isalways worth the wait.
There's something beautifulabout slowing down and getting
to know someone in person.
In today's digital world, we'veforgotten to see the joy in
sitting across from somebody,hearing their laugh and sharing
(10:40):
a real, authentic and meaningfulmoment together moment together
.
In Romans 12, 2, it reminds usdo not conform to the platform
of this world, but betransformed by the renewing of
your mind.
That's what faith-basedmatchmaking is all about
Renewing your perspective onlove and trusting God to guide
(11:05):
the process.
So ask yourself am Iapproaching dating with God's
values, or am I letting culturedictate the process?
Am I being intentional aboutbuilding a relationship that
honors God?
Have I truly surrendered mytimeline to him, trusting that
(11:29):
he knows what's best for me?
When you keep God at the center, the waiting doesn't feel so
heavy.
Instead, it feels full of peaceand purpose.
In conclusion, dating intoday's world can be difficult.
I get it.
Whether you've been ghosted,disappointed or just plain
(11:53):
exhausted from swiping, it iseasy to feel like love is
slipping through your fingers ona daily basis.
I want to remind you ofsomething so beautiful.
God has not forgotten you.
He sees your heart.
He knows your desires.
Your prayers whispered late atnight and the tears you've shed
(12:16):
when things don't work out.
And the tears you've shed whenthings don't work out.
If you're feeling disheartened,you are not alone.
The Lord is walking alongsideof you and he has a plan for
your life that is moreincredible than you can imagine.
It might not feel like what youexpected.
(12:38):
It rarely does.
His plans are always good.
In Jeremiah 29, 11, my favoriteverse is the testament of this,
for I know the plans I have foryou, declares the Lord.
Plans to prosper you and not toharm you.
Plans to give you hope and afuture.
(13:00):
I've seen it firsthand with somany of our clients.
They come to us frustrated bythe dating world, unsure of what
to do next, but they step outin faith, trusting God and
opening their hearts to love.
And when they surrender thatcontrol, incredible things
happen.
(13:20):
I think of one of our clients,tom, who was so weary from the
endless cycle of apps he wantedto give up on dating altogether,
but then, through ourmatchmaking process, god
connected him with Sierra, awoman who shared his values and
(13:42):
his vision for the future.
Today they're planning awedding for next year and
couldn't be more in love withone another.
That could be you.
God is writing your love storytoo, and it's a story worth
waiting for.
So don't lose hope.
Don't settle for something lessthan what you deserve.
(14:05):
Whether you find love throughOne True Match, your church
community or in some unexpectedway, hold tight in this.
God's timing is perfect and hislove for you is unmatched.
You are so worthy of arelationship that reflects God's
love, a love that is patient,kind and enduring, and I believe
(14:30):
with all my heart that it isout there waiting for you.
Stay prayerful, stay expectantand trust that God is preparing
someone extraordinary for you.
God's best is always worthwaiting for.
Your journey to love isn't over.
(14:52):
It's just beginning.
I hope you have found thishelpful, beneficial and
inspiring Tune in every Thursdayas we have a new podcast that
comes out.
If you have any questions, Ialways love hearing from you, as
well as if you know somebodyelse that could really use this
message.
Please share, like andsubscribe to our channel.
(15:13):
We also have many otherpodcasts for our dating, engaged
and married couples.
Next week in this series, weare going to talk about the
purity with a purpose findingjoy in God's design for physical
intimacy.
I hope you have a blessed weekand I can't wait for our next
(15:33):
chat.
I'm going to love and leave you.
It's been another great talk onthis episode of 1 True Talks by
Renee Richel.
I look forward to our next chat.
Please write in your questionsand comments so I can be sure to
talk about whatever it is youwant to discuss in our next
(15:55):
upcoming episode.
Lots of love,
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