The #1 Dating Mistake | Michael Johnson

On this episode of Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, Michael Johnson sits down to share practical, faith-filled wisdom about dating with purpose and preparing for a healthy, lifelong marriage. Drawing from his own college dating experiences and the lessons that ultimately led him to marry his wife Julie, Michael challenges the cultural mindset around relationships and encourages young adults to pursue friendship, community, and spiritual maturity before marriage. Rather than chasing feelings or rushing toward the future, Michael explains how dating can be a season of growth—one that builds a strong foundation for a thriving marriage centered on Christ. 🔹 Why the goal of dating may be marriage—but the purpose is friendship 🔹 How discovering your calling and mission in life shapes healthy relationships 🔹 The importance of community and wise counsel when discerning God’s will 🔹 Why cohabitation often weakens relationships rather than strengthening them 🔹 How emotional and spiritual maturity prepares you for a lifelong marriage Dating today can feel confusing, but God’s design for relationships is both wise and life-giving. When we approach dating with humility, community, and a commitment to honor the Lord, we place ourselves in a position to build relationships that truly last. Get your copy of Michael Johnson's book, "Date Like You Know What You're Doing" here: https://bit.ly/3OWUn86 --- Chapters: 0:00 Dating Without Living in the Future 2:01 How a Marriage Book Changed His Dating Mindset 3:05 Dating With Purpose and Calling 5:07 Why Friendship Is the Foundation of Dating 7:02 Discerning God’s Will in Relationships 13:25 The Truth About Cohabitation 18:11 Emotional and Spiritual Maturity in Dating 21:28 How to Prepare Yourself for Marriage -- Check out Focus on the Family on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusonthefamily Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focusonthefamily X: https://twitter.com/FocusFamily --- #FocusontheFamily #ChristianDating #MichaelJohnson #ChristianMarriage #DatingAdvice #FaithAndRelationships #MarriagePreparation #BiblicalMarriage #ChristianDating