Christian Dating Age Gap: 4 Tips About Dating/Marrying Someone Older or Younger

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  • Опубликовано: 26 июл 2024
  • Is it okay to date a Christian much older or younger than you? How big of an age difference is too much? What advice is there for Christians who want to date someone or marry someone who’s older or younger? Here are 4 tips for Christians dating with an age gap.
    AGW University: Relationship Training for Christian Singles: agwuniversity.teachable.com/
    (Video) How I Met, Dated, and Married My Wife (She's 5 Years Older Than Me) • 6 Tips to Find a Chris...
    (Book) Intertwined: Our Happiness Is Tied to God’s Glory www.amazon.com/Intertwined-Ha...
    (Article) Christian Advice for Dating Someone Older or Younger: applygodsword.com/christian-ad...
    FREE eBook: The Ultimate Guide to Christian Singleness: applygodsword.com/christian-si...
    PAPERBACK books and small group Bible studies by Mark Ballenger:
    The Ultimate Guide to Christian Singleness www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide...
    Intertwined: Our Happiness Is Tied to God’s Glory www.amazon.com/Intertwined-Ha...
    Redeemed Like David: How to Overcome Sexual Temptation www.amazon.com/Redeemed-Like-...
    Never Quit: A 5 Week Small Group Bible Study on the Power of Prayer www.amazon.com/dp/1979772673/
    Basic Transformation: A Small Group Bible Study on the Basics of Christianity and Transformation www.amazon.com/dp/197959063X/
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Комментарии • 312

  • @katiee5903
    @katiee5903 6 лет назад +232

    my parents are 22 years apart. mom is older stepdad is younger. she is a young sprit and he is an old soul... they have been married 10 years and together 12& counting :)

    • @angeliquep8391
      @angeliquep8391 6 лет назад +23

      Jeweleen M ... Too cute! I'm 48 snd I seem to attract all ages including the young one's. I have a young soul and do meet younger men with an old soul. I also live a healthy lifestyle so I look younger than my actual age.

    • @katiee5903
      @katiee5903 6 лет назад +8

      +Just Me thats great! :) there is nothing wrong with liking the yonger ones i think. i mean i am 28 and i tend to go for the yonger ones but then again i get told that i look around 21-25 all the time haha sooo i mean you know ;)

    • @morrighanwermarn-arnburg7333
      @morrighanwermarn-arnburg7333 5 лет назад

      yep as I thought. with a female 12 years older that wont work

    • @morrighanwermarn-arnburg7333
      @morrighanwermarn-arnburg7333 5 лет назад +3

      that's my fear. that once my ages shows that would be it.

    • @KisAFriend
      @KisAFriend 5 лет назад

      WOW...

  • @aginanasi
    @aginanasi 6 месяцев назад +4

    The older I get , the younger guys are attracted to me 🙈 That's a mistery to me .

  • @monikarauch301
    @monikarauch301 5 лет назад +73

    My mom is 6 years older than my dad. Now she is 77 and he is 71. The age difference has never been an issue. The mother of a friend of mine is 11 years older than his dad. Also this couple is old now and doing well together as far as I know. My best friends grandmother was 10 years older than her grandfather. My friend told me that also for them age difference has never an issue. They loved each other and died two yeas ago in the same year. Al the couples I'm speaking about are christians. I think you have to let yourself lead by God. The woman being the older one is not as common or usual, but it is not immoral, neither the Bible nor the church teaching do say anything against it and that is what counts in my opinion. God's lovestory is just unique for each of us I guess.

  • @ngamjai2207
    @ngamjai2207 4 года назад +83

    I think it depends to our personal preferences . For me I prayed for a man 5 to 10 yrs older than me and He gave a wonderful man 10 years older than me. Thank God!

    • @verahbellah2465
      @verahbellah2465 3 года назад +4

      You no what my friend...their is no woman who wuld wish to marry aman younger than she is...sometimes pple find themselves in some situations you never imagined you will be in...sometimes what pple desires ...they don't get...but gets the opposite of what they' h wished and disired for themselves...what I will jst say...is it's only God who nos and arranges our lives better.....be blessed...

    • @verahbellah2465
      @verahbellah2465 3 года назад +4

      Again I think it's only God who has answer to our questions of life or in life..

    • @ngamjai2207
      @ngamjai2207 3 года назад +3

      Yes I agree with you but God gives us also the desire to choose.. God doesn't control us and He is not limited..

    • @verahbellah2465
      @verahbellah2465 3 года назад +3

      @@ngamjai2207 yeah..He gives according to your desires..but have you ever asked yourself if what you are desirering is also what God is desirering for you..God says His plans and disires for us are higher than ours...and sometimes our desires in God's eyes might not be good for us...that's why He works things differently in our lives..things that you couldn't imagine...so if yours is according to your desires...ask yourself this...did you include God in your plans before you where given your heart disires?? If not and you have all you have disered for...then they must be a problem...

    • @verahbellah2465
      @verahbellah2465 3 года назад +1

      @@ngamjai2207 if yes then..you are the most blessed one...

  • @trucomment96
    @trucomment96 5 лет назад +142

    Age doesn't matter as long as you are committed, loyal, honest, forgiving and you trust, respect, forgive & accept your partner

    • @Butterfly_stardust
      @Butterfly_stardust 5 лет назад +4

      I agree!!

    • @wizone3551
      @wizone3551 5 лет назад +2

      Yay i agree too! 😄

    • @Butterfly_stardust
      @Butterfly_stardust 5 лет назад +8

      Tru Comment and believe in. Christ is the most important of all!! But with those character traits, most likely he or she is gonna be a Christian!!

    • @anastasiyarakova8517
      @anastasiyarakova8517 4 года назад +1

      Yeah... but then if you are the younger person do you want to eventually be their caretaker? Become a widow/widower? Maybe not have kids because of the age gap? Thats the dilemma

    • @hashimalhadidi4081
      @hashimalhadidi4081 3 года назад

      @@anastasiyarakova8517 it wouldn't be a dilemma if the relationship was accepting forgiving, trustworthy, and respectful.

  • @teamexic0
    @teamexic0 3 года назад +39

    Thank you so much for your wisdom! My partner and i are 13 years apart in age (i'm younger), and i seldom notice our age difference. We became born-again Christians within a week of each other. We prayed that we would have a Christian husband/wife and we came into each others life. Together, we are growing in our relationship with Him, building each other up in our relationship. We are both students, in a similar path in life, getting married at the end of next year! *Job 32:7-9* states that "I thought, 'Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.' But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding .It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right." We both have God on our side, providing us with wisdom to prepare for a Christ centred marriage.

    • @shanevassallo
      @shanevassallo Год назад

      This is encouraging to me, thank you👍

  • @LiztasticGames
    @LiztasticGames 4 года назад +78

    My grandparents met when my grandpa was 26 and my grandma was 16. He wanted to date her so he waited until she was 18 to date. When she was 20 and he was 30, they got married, had 5 children, and were married for over 40 years until he passed. My parents are 8 1/2 years apart and they’ve been married almost 25 years with many children. Spiritual maturity is very important, great advice!

    • @Fakeslimshady
      @Fakeslimshady 3 года назад +2

      Today people will call that "grooming"

    • @KeketsoN01
      @KeketsoN01 2 года назад +1

      @@Fakeslimshady because it really is and needs to be denormalized in the church

    • @Fakeslimshady
      @Fakeslimshady 2 года назад

      @@KeketsoN01 You mean demonized?

    • @affel6559
      @affel6559 2 года назад +2

      What a beautiful blessing dear sister!

    • @mscottster444
      @mscottster444 2 года назад +2

      @@KeketsoN01 if it worked out for them, good for them. Sorry it bothers you so much. Lol

  • @michaelquintana678
    @michaelquintana678 6 лет назад +66

    5 years is nothing and some mature spiritually faster than others. sometimes a younger person can be more mature.

    • @celestegadsden4877
      @celestegadsden4877 3 года назад

      is 56 too old to date a person in their 40s

    • @Dodderyfeline31
      @Dodderyfeline31 2 года назад +3

      @@celestegadsden4877 I would say no its not a problem. as long as its the Lords will age does not matter

    • @kilodeltawhisky1504
      @kilodeltawhisky1504 2 года назад +2

      @@celestegadsden4877I say pray on it. I don't think God is all that concerned with years as he is with hearts and faith. The man he put in my path is 13 years younger. But I've always looked ten years younger than I am. God has brought us together. What could be better? Shall I allow the opinions of others take precedence over what God has created?

    • @Jan-A
      @Jan-A Год назад +1

      It depends on their life experiences, upbringing etc. The older person could have lived a very sheltered life, whilst the younger came from a more independent background, or highly educated or is an outlier in terms of ability, may have been married or had children before the older person. The younger person would be in most respects more mature than his/her peers & so closer in maturity to the older person. I've seen many marriages/relationships fail where persons were close in age. So I ruled that out as a guarantee of success years ago. And there is nothing written that states "The Older Person will die first, or will become I'll or infirm first". People die at all ages. My father died at 90+, whilst 3 other relatives ranging from 20 to 60 died before him. I've a 71 year old sister in Christ who is more active, vibrant & healthy than many 50+ year olds I know If God did not say it must or must not be, probably neither should we.

  • @Christian_Girl120
    @Christian_Girl120 3 года назад +32

    I was always one who preferred someone who was 3 to ten years older than me. I was mature for my age, but unfortunately sometimes the men who were older were not mature either. And, since I'm pretty sure most of them were not Christians, they weren't right for me. Please pray for me that at 55 I will find the right Christian man to marry someday. It's difficult this day and age to find anyone. But I remember what God said, put his kingdom first and foremost and seek his righteousness, and if it be his will, he will provide our heart's desire. Great video!!!

    • @koalalou68
      @koalalou68 9 месяцев назад

      I'm a 55yo widow who is holding out for hope...In His time🙏🏾

    • @Plans4YouJer2911
      @Plans4YouJer2911 6 месяцев назад

      Male here ... 65 years young
      Encouraging You to keep moving forward in Your Christian faith and life and walk
      😊😊

  • @m.valdivia8048
    @m.valdivia8048 5 лет назад +37

    Thank you for this video. I just found out today that the girl I've been seeing is five years older than me. I mainly want God's guidance as I don't trust my deceitful heart.

  • @cloyettegrant1733
    @cloyettegrant1733 6 лет назад +93

    I agreed. Spiritual maturity is more important. #blessed

    • @annelienmoffat6079
      @annelienmoffat6079 5 лет назад +5

      Please pray for me that Abba will send someone on my path!Thank you!God bless you!!Great Ministry!

    • @Butterfly_stardust
      @Butterfly_stardust 5 лет назад

      @@annelienmoffat6079Moffat will do!!

  • @beloveddaughter6714
    @beloveddaughter6714 4 года назад +4

    Aaaaah...so refreshing to hear your perspective! You resonate with my heart that a 5 year difference either way, younger or older seems reasonable. Anything beyond that I would not be comfortable. 👌

  • @Super_BeastGirl
    @Super_BeastGirl 5 лет назад +14

    Appreciate this one a lot. This is something no one has ever said to me - that spiritual maturity and age are the most important.

  • @hisabigail
    @hisabigail 6 лет назад +21

    Thank you for this! I really need this right now. God bless you!

  • @frenchfan3368
    @frenchfan3368 5 лет назад +14

    Thank you Mark for taking the time to finally address this issue that has been overtly avoided by the church for far too long. Personally, I feel that American Christians seem to be the most worried about age differences in dating and marriage. I have always said that if adult Christian of any race can date and get married, then Christian adults of any age can date and get married. You mentioned early in the video when you brought up the Book of Ruth that one's spiritual age was of more importance than one's physical age, yet towards the end of the video you mentioned that any age gap more than a decade was pushing the limit. Your thoughts and perspectives toward the age differences was interesting but again the Church needs to step back and let mature, Christian adults decide for themselves if they want to date. Thanks again for taking the time to address an issue that has been tip toed around for far too long.

  • @Radience100
    @Radience100 5 лет назад +3

    This was absolutely amazing! Thank you so much for speaking truth into my life.

  • @jacklinendege6280
    @jacklinendege6280 4 года назад +2

    This has been helpful a lot as I counsel the ladies who come around me with related questions. And am glad it is a story of your experience.

  • @BusyBrain7
    @BusyBrain7 6 лет назад +42

    Spiritually mature is more important. Agreed.
    Godly characteristics and attributes a must!

  • @AyanaInChrist
    @AyanaInChrist 2 месяца назад

    I emailed you on this today and decided to search it up manually instead. Thank you Mark

  • @anointed1302
    @anointed1302 6 лет назад +30

    Thanks Pastor Mark for pointing out these 3 significant ages.

    • @ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger
      @ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger  6 лет назад +3

      You are welcome!

    • @akop2308
      @akop2308 3 года назад

      @@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger sir..am in critical situation in my life...pl i want to contact you...pl any number

  • @migdaliamojica7123
    @migdaliamojica7123 5 лет назад +2

    I think that one of the most important things is that you are admitted that you needed changes.Things you need to find out about yourself. Wich there is nothing wrong with. A relationship normally has to mature in order for it to keep going. Having the support of your parenter of your partner is a health relationship. That type of age defence it's a problem. The important is the spiritual life. Even at different levels you can pull through it. By being real with yourself and with each other.I enjoyed the message. God bless you📙📙📙

  • @Delitez1
    @Delitez1 3 года назад

    Thank you for this video Brother Mark! I appreciate you sharing your own experience and your thoughts. God Bless!

  • @Sachaslord
    @Sachaslord 3 года назад

    Thank you for debating this topic !!

  • @marabruyere6567
    @marabruyere6567 6 лет назад +10

    Watching a bunch of your videos recently. You have so much wisdom!

  • @motheba4christ975
    @motheba4christ975 6 лет назад +5

    Thanks i really needed this. Thanks also for sharing ur own personal testimony as well. Its exactly what am going thru. God bless u

  • @RHG-pittsburgh2023
    @RHG-pittsburgh2023 5 лет назад +50

    Who ever dislike his videos got some real problems.

  • @ChristopherDMoore
    @ChristopherDMoore 5 лет назад +2

    This was a perfect video. Thank you for this.

  • @queendevi2492
    @queendevi2492 6 лет назад +18

    Wow.. I needed this. Thanks so much. God bless you 😇😇

  • @bonaninelani4118
    @bonaninelani4118 3 года назад +1

    The video was very helping to me, I guess God has answered my questions.

  • @rosem.3533
    @rosem.3533 6 лет назад +76

    I agree.... 🤔 Especially on the spiritual maturity being more important than the physical. I know of a couple going on 20 yrs she is over 10 yrs older (about 13 yrs) and she looks younger than he does...Go figure! And no plastic surgery, might I add (not that I am criticizing if there were..lol). But the point is that I agree that what matters most is the spiritual compatability more so than anything. When God is the foundation, all is well! ☺

    • @biancaguanajuato7302
      @biancaguanajuato7302 4 года назад +2

      Rose Morales I agree I’m currently talking to someone who is 10 yrs younger then me he is my sister’s age and I mean I did pray to god to send me a guy who matched my prayers that I was looking for in a guy and i think he answered my prayer but now his age does make me question it I mean I getting to know him as friends first and I’m a single mom of a 4yr old and he has no kids idk how to feel about it

    • @rosem.3533
      @rosem.3533 4 года назад +2

      @@gyadabouting As time passes, I realize more and more that age is just a number. I agree with you.

  • @_heyimbritt
    @_heyimbritt 6 лет назад +17

    I agree with this! I like how you reference the storybof Ruth amd most importantly sound wisdom which is totally needed when making major life choice.

  • @abojecomfort5812
    @abojecomfort5812 Год назад

    Thanks Sir, for this message.
    God bless you.

  • @nikki9064
    @nikki9064 6 лет назад +60

    True my girl friend got married to a guy who is 15 years younger ! They are very happily married couple ..MMM

    • @ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger
      @ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger  6 лет назад +19

      Amen, my aunt and uncle are over 10 years difference but they got married later in life. Anything is possible :)

    • @lauralaura3774
      @lauralaura3774 6 лет назад +1

      pei is there still together and happy

    • @takcleberry
      @takcleberry 4 года назад +1

      Why do you have a girlfriend who is married

    • @josephfarrar8534
      @josephfarrar8534 4 года назад +1

      @@takcleberry , I think he is implying that his girlfriend married HIM, and HE himself is 15 years younger than she. Mildly amusing and a little bit British-sounding.

    • @k.5425
      @k.5425 4 года назад +1

      Mmm means?

  • @neydanguema4123
    @neydanguema4123 4 года назад +3

    Thank you 🙏🏽 Blessings

  • @yandemwita105
    @yandemwita105 3 года назад

    Have learnt a lot from this 🙌🙌👏

  • @spencergrau4608
    @spencergrau4608 5 лет назад +7

    Super wise and helpful. Thanks, mate :)

  • @k.p.k.lam.7572
    @k.p.k.lam.7572 4 года назад +2

    Thank you sir, it really helped me to clear up my mind. Now I can propose her with clear hear and tell her there is nothing wrong.... Thank you very much sir, for sharing this video....

  • @augustayarteh7524
    @augustayarteh7524 5 лет назад +3

    age is just a number that first place . Just count yourself blessed to meet that great woman. Is not about age but your maturity towards her made that married to last till now.When a older man meet with young woman is the duty for that man to build that woman to change her through the help of God because with God all things is possible. Amen and Amen.

  • @shiphrahadhikary1505
    @shiphrahadhikary1505 2 года назад +6

    I believe God spoke through you to me right now. I'm 22 and my boyfriend is 19. My parents accepted him on the other hand his mom accepted me but his dad is denying though our age gap is only 3 years. We both are Christians and we serve God through our life. Please pray that his dad understands soon and accepts me too. Yes indeed if it's all God's will. Thank you so much!

    • @leo_Pop_03
      @leo_Pop_03 2 месяца назад

      You’re not the only one who had this situation.
      For instance, I’m still single as of now in May 2024 but one time on October 15th 2022 during BOA Bands of America event, I was a videographer for Jack Britt High School marching band several months after I’ve graduated from Jack Britt class of 2022. And a former marching band performer as a saxophone player from Jack Britt High School Marching Band years of 2018 - 2022.
      I met a girl by a name of Abigail Taylor a member of Cary HS Color Guard whom she and I had a very good conversation. And during great conversation, she smiled a lot at me and she was a nice person. Both of us are Christian since I’m an orthodox and she’s a baptist.
      I believe she’s 17 years old and I’m 21 years old as of now. God permit I’ll wait till she turns 18 or older to date and I believe when I met Abigail for the first time in October 15th 2022, this was the only conversation I’ve had and haven’t exchanged social media profiles.
      My question I have is 4 age gap perfect when getting older from your point of view?
      Even my family members have significant age gaps like my mother is younger than my father by 8 years so he’ll be 51 this coming June and mom will be 43 this coming December.
      My uncle Alexander Mom’s brother from Russia has his wife Anna which she’s younger than him by 4 years.
      How would both Christian families feel with age gaps?

  • @ChellZelda
    @ChellZelda 5 лет назад +10

    Thankyou for the Great advice because I'm very intrested in someone who is 7 years younger than me, and I wasnt sure how to approach that.

    • @ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger
      @ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger  5 лет назад +6

      So glad this video was helpful :)

    • @ChellZelda
      @ChellZelda 5 лет назад +5

      It really was and made me feel not so guilty for it lol

    • @daleross1863
      @daleross1863 5 лет назад +2

      Hahaha and I find myself in a similar boat with the age gap. I'm so grateful for this message

  • @breannafair9513
    @breannafair9513 6 лет назад +8

    Great video!!!

  • @brigettehutchinson
    @brigettehutchinson 6 лет назад +1

    Very helpful

  • @praisenoah3514
    @praisenoah3514 4 года назад

    Very Good Video.

  • @tracebeginning7491
    @tracebeginning7491 Год назад

    You're full of wisdom ✨️ 🙏 .

  • @CharmaineM
    @CharmaineM 2 года назад

    Wow wow thank you Mark

  • @saraalyssa3655
    @saraalyssa3655 5 лет назад +4

    I agree 100%

  • @anthonydomingo6788
    @anthonydomingo6788 2 года назад

    Thank you for share, i appreciate your video that you share

  • @missmlb3842
    @missmlb3842 4 года назад +6

    This is really good. I was never really open to to something like this, but this does open my eyes to this aspect of dating. The only thing is
    #1) Im horribly insecure and I would be worried about being too old if the guy was younger. I would be worried about him leaving me all the time for younger woman. That is more of an issue with me and that is an issue of confidence. Yet depending on the man...I think the lowest I'd go is 5 years maybe 8.
    #2) I have to make sure that the man I'm dating is mature and that I'm not having to Mother him because a lot of times this is what happens in these types of relationships especially if the woman is older. If these men are not godly, the younger men are seeking these women to be sugar mamas and money bags. The woman may end up constantly trying to get them to move. It's like a grown man that should be living on his own when he still living at home with his parents because he just doesn't want to get a job and that's just sheer laziness on his part and a lack of discipline which will be a big problem in marriage.
    #3)Number three I remember being pursued by an older man and felt that he was very wise but I didn't or wasn't attracted to him and felt as though he was too old. I felt like it would just be me tying to motivate him to move and that would be boring. There a few more things that didnt draw me to him but he was a very nice man.

    • @k.5425
      @k.5425 4 года назад +1

      I feel exactly the same about number 1. Like it'd be so wierd. I have an issue with the guy being younger than the woman especially when I was like 16 and read a storybook like that, there was a 6 year age difference. And the book too the woman was so insecure. Now I'm 19 and watching more of these video and thinking about relationships I hope if I ever get married the guy has to be older than me lol. It'd just be... Yh like you explained in number 1

    • @vivaeuropa
      @vivaeuropa 7 месяцев назад

      ​@@k.5425That's funny as a 24 year old guy that's how I feel about getting with someone younger too. I feel like older women younger man makes more sense because women dye their hair and wear makeup to make themselves look younger. Plus woman live 7 years longer than men on average so in the long term aspect it makes sense as well.

  • @ainigmatistudio
    @ainigmatistudio 6 лет назад +10

    I know three couples who have a 5 year age difference, two where the guy is older and one the woman is. All three couples have been married over 30 years and I look to their marriages as the strongest and most exemplary I have seen.

  • @kieshalova5627
    @kieshalova5627 5 лет назад +4

    Its nice to see this, because im in love with a way older mature man in Christ. I am spirituality mature for my age, but I noticed many people try to push him to a older girl who dont even clap he hand. Lol.. And when he started to show that he likes me as well, the pastor decided to speak about marriage and say what a person should have and a rampage..lol..it wasn't even the topic, and after that he kinda stoped showing he like me a little, so I tried to ignore him, and he started to come around and i would leave but it showed me he really do like me. But now im going to just fo for it let it flow,
    Ps Trunp wife id 23 years younger than him..

    • @Butterfly_stardust
      @Butterfly_stardust 5 лет назад

      May God guide you through your whole life!! God bless you!!

    • @kevindavis4709
      @kevindavis4709 4 года назад +1

      Well well well look here we got a trump card very cool 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

  • @samsonberhe3438
    @samsonberhe3438 5 лет назад +2

    Thank u brother God bless u aboudntly

  • @ginamukapi6243
    @ginamukapi6243 3 года назад +4

    Am 8 years older than my fiance and this was stressing me alot thinking he is a wrong man for me so I started pushing him away from me to get a right man with good age😢😢😢I tried to date different man some older than me but can't work so I started praying to God to show me the right man for me I fasted for 3day and a man took me out for a drink and from no we're he said get away from me and he said that he has changed his mind I was shocked 🙊 and I left him I found out that the more I pray the more it's hard for me to connect with other men so I always find myself in my fiance's arms I want thank God for showing me the truth though I had to Neal down for me to know 😇😇🙏

    • @evelyndoughan8643
      @evelyndoughan8643 2 месяца назад

      A few days ago, God told me that we marry for purpose and not age.... You only need God's guidance in your marriage and everything will be fine. He also said he will marry us through our spouse. Let's not forget that He's the alpha and Omega

  • @sarahc7014
    @sarahc7014 6 лет назад +4

    good good
    thanks brother

  • @coachphillipah6965
    @coachphillipah6965 Год назад +2

    At 46 years, I have never considered a younger man as a partner but I am more open to it now. Before, I had been limiting myself.
    The people I know who had wider age difference mostly had a calling on their lives like some work colleagues who I worked with in ministry who had age difference of 8 and 12 years and the husbands being younger than their wives. Most pastors I know their wives are older, and most of them did not know they were going to be pastors which makes me wonder why that is the case?

  • @RHG-pittsburgh2023
    @RHG-pittsburgh2023 5 лет назад +6

    hey mark i just had to revisit this video. i wouldn't want to date someone a decade older. 5 years unless God say so. is good for me

  • @stephenlebayo979
    @stephenlebayo979 4 года назад +9

    Woww... This has long been a question that has been bothering me alot because right now am in a relationship with this girl and she's five months older than me ( we are the same in age i can say physically) buh again this comes down to cultural backgrounds like where am from - Africa, usually it's considered a man should be older than the woman... And anything like a woman of your age or older than the guy it's usually seen weird (there's a lot of social pressure around this one) but i also thank you alot Mark because i never knew that spiritual maturity is what matters the most. And that tip you said about some sacrifices that you guys should make - one should slow down the other maybe speed up alittle bit. It's surely been a blessing to find this channel. Thank you again.

    • @KatieAJ
      @KatieAJ 3 года назад +2

      5 months is really nothing though...

  • @vania698
    @vania698 Год назад

    Thank you!

  • @margieraborar5414
    @margieraborar5414 6 лет назад +2

    Thanks! It enlighten me. I have someone I like so much who's younger that my age. This really helps me understand the pros andl cons. This really is very timely 👍👍👍

    • @margieraborar5414
      @margieraborar5414 5 лет назад

      @Noé Andreé Hi! He is 13 younger than I. No worries no one knows about it.. But I've been eyes on him for almost 3 years now. I know deep in my heart that no matter how I cross the bridge, Its hopeless.

  • @Ratchet2022
    @Ratchet2022 Год назад +1

    I mostly agree, only I would think the older you get, the less of an issue is the age gap. It’s when you’re really young that it’s such a big deal because there’s a lot more transitioning into an adult that’s taking place. But at 65 and 50, both adults have been essentially the same people for 40 and 25 years each. It’s not like 33 and 18, where the 18 year old still has like 7 years of real formative years into her (or his) adult life, for example.

  • @jsignatures9739
    @jsignatures9739 3 года назад +1

    Will you make another video that goes deeper on this please? 😊

  • @LoveBeyondTheSea
    @LoveBeyondTheSea 6 лет назад +15

    Good commentary. I am 27 years older than my wife. In America I was approaching too old and in her country she was approaching too old even at 26! So far so good. She was working to support a large family so maturity is a strong suit of hers and she can’t be outworked.
    When I die they will be lining up to get her. She was surely worth all the pain of being alone.

    • @hg3895
      @hg3895 10 месяцев назад +1

      Bless your family

  • @ellymawnai475
    @ellymawnai475 5 лет назад +1

    Thank you.

  • @aidare6683
    @aidare6683 6 лет назад

    Hi I'm new to this channel ..I was wondering if you could do a video on your thoughts on guys/ girls checking out other girls/guys out while dating ? Thanks in advance!

  • @jameshandley8887
    @jameshandley8887 2 года назад +2

    Praise God

  • @maridelordaneza9817
    @maridelordaneza9817 5 лет назад +2

    Hi Pastor Mark, so glad you made this video, i'm also inlove with a girl whose age are 5 years older than me, now i need your help, this girl i'm talking about is actually my shepherd, she is spiritually matured and so do i, i guess lol. But the thing is, we both kind like each other but i dont want to assume that she likes me more than a friend, i really want to tell her my feelings but i'm afraid it might ruin our current relationship to each other.. I already asked God about this, and i think He leads me to this video you made.. If you will ask our current life status, we are both stable financially and had a good job. Now i don't know what to do.. Should i tell her that i have feelings for her?

  • @milenafeliz1489
    @milenafeliz1489 6 лет назад +11

    Not too younger or not too older

  • @BiblicalWomenHaveAVoice
    @BiblicalWomenHaveAVoice 6 лет назад +12

    I tried to date someone 15 years older than me. It didn't work out. Let's just say we were on two different levels.

    • @ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger
      @ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger  6 лет назад +2

      Thanks for sharing your experience with us

    • @Jan-A
      @Jan-A Год назад

      ​​​@@anastasiyarakova8517 unfortunately this is a public forum, but I would strongly suggest Not to rule it out & don''t make a decision today based on what you don't even know about tomorrow. A 27 year old is a full adult & in any case won't remain 27, but will become more mature. Right now there's still the opportunity to grow together & influence each other in the way you both want. It is the perfect opportunity & a good age to carve your own path & still build a family. The more time passes the more life & other influences shape us. The future is what we make it.

  • @beatricemorgan2373
    @beatricemorgan2373 5 лет назад +28

    I am currently dating a man 33years older than I. He is spiritually mature. Though younger than him we have the same outlook in life coz I am kind of old fashioned 😀.

    • @grahampaice5696
      @grahampaice5696 4 года назад +3

      @S D who are to pass judgement

    • @josephfarrar8534
      @josephfarrar8534 4 года назад

      @M M , not necessarily. The thing is, there are more women than men, especially in some areas. If an older but acceptable or above guy is single, he is still an acceptable or above guy.

    • @grahampaice5696
      @grahampaice5696 4 года назад

      come on......you knew ...we was left out by mistake

    • @beatricemorgan2373
      @beatricemorgan2373 4 года назад +1

      @M M Am not searching a daddy. Never seen him as a dad and he never sees me as a daughter nor treat me like one. Celebrating one year in marriage in 29 days to come. He could be a father/ mother but in reality isn't.

    • @TheDaves1
      @TheDaves1 4 года назад

      @@grahampaice5696 amen

  • @samphonnetgamgee5625
    @samphonnetgamgee5625 6 лет назад +1

    I think many of these (transition) things apply to people between let's say, 19 and 30. But in ancient days, 30 was considered "general adulthood" (like the age for priesthood then), so I don't believe you go through much character transitions in your thirties. Therefore a difference between, lets say 32 and 37 (woman older) won't be as much as a "sacrifice".

  • @zimitineraryprivatelimited
    @zimitineraryprivatelimited 2 года назад

    Im about to get married to my spouse who is way older than me and our relationship has God as the foundation i feel like Ruth too and hes my Boaz.

  • @e.jackson1308
    @e.jackson1308 7 месяцев назад

    Ruth and boaz was the most beautiful and powerful love story.

  • @martinitamaloii96
    @martinitamaloii96 Год назад +2

    This is for me, I am interested in a sister who is 4 years older then me, but I am a bit shy to let her know and I just do not know what to do.

  • @poonamvlog6071
    @poonamvlog6071 6 лет назад

    Nice

  • @justethxn275
    @justethxn275 3 года назад +1

    There is a girl who I've been talking to, we both wanted to date each other but we live 9500km away from each other and she is a year older, but the way we talk to each other is as if we live in the same house.

  • @sarahs7253
    @sarahs7253 6 лет назад +21

    My ex is 26 and I’m 36....obviously it didn’t work out...had 2 kids, he acted like he wanted to settle down but the closer to our wedding day I think the more he wanted to run. Now he’s hanging out with his brothers and friends all the time like a teenager. When we started dating he was 23 and me 33. I think the 10 years was too much.

    • @soy.ingrid
      @soy.ingrid 5 лет назад

      Sarah S did you guys have two kids together ?

    • @wizone3551
      @wizone3551 5 лет назад +3

      What but i want to marry someone 10 years older than me!😢

    • @childrenofgodministriesnyc1246
      @childrenofgodministriesnyc1246 2 года назад +1

      no it's about narcissism demons. and spiritual maturity as he says here.

  • @voiceforfreedom
    @voiceforfreedom 6 лет назад +16

    I agree on all other things except for an appropriate maximum age difference. Derek Prince's first wife Lydia Prince was 25 years older than he was and they had a really good and well functioning marriage with several adopted children. I'm also pretty sure it was quite normal in Biblical times for a man to have at least 20 years younger wife. I actually believe Ruth was also much younger than a decade from Boas, maybe closer to 20 years. But other than that, good video again 😊

    • @ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger
      @ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger  6 лет назад +8

      I don't believe over a decade is wrong or a sin. My point is that it will be a lot more difficult.

    • @voiceforfreedom
      @voiceforfreedom 6 лет назад +6

      ApplyGodsWord.com/Mark Ballenger I didn't think you thought that it's a sin, just wanted to point out that in my opinion and observation it's not necessarely any more difficult than a 10 year age difference 😊 but I love your videos and teaching so I'm not meaning to be critical or anything 😁 blessings!

    • @ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger
      @ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger  6 лет назад +4

      Fair enough! I respect your opinion :) I'm glad people are thinking through these issues for themselves as well. I appreciate your comments and contribution. God bless!

    • @evelyndoughan8643
      @evelyndoughan8643 2 месяца назад

      I agree with you. For insurance Boaz was about 40 years older than Ruth

    • @evelyndoughan8643
      @evelyndoughan8643 2 месяца назад

      ​@@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallengerthat will be the case when God is not involved.

  • @cozbox2356
    @cozbox2356 10 месяцев назад +1

    as long as two people are over the legal age. age really doesn't matter

  • @viniciusmagalhaeshorta7154
    @viniciusmagalhaeshorta7154 5 лет назад +7

    What about guy 28 and woman 45?

  • @bsmlivingwater
    @bsmlivingwater 3 года назад +1

    Hello, how about 8,6 years age gap , would it be acceptable? I am 30 and she is 21, n 6 months younger

  • @Gamer123766
    @Gamer123766 Год назад

    I found out my relative is dating someone 20+ years younger. My only worry is that she's only in it for the money because she has been very manipulative to my relatives.

  • @Michael-mj2hg
    @Michael-mj2hg 2 года назад

    Hmm, maybe this is why I've been so delayed in life. Got my job at 20, my first car at 28, and now looking to part ways with my parents at 31.

  • @scottbrockman4327
    @scottbrockman4327 6 лет назад +1

    Amen to that. When it comes to dating someone, I prefer a single, Godly, religious girl or woman in my age, not younger than 24 or even older than 39 years old, honestly :-).

  • @jeremycarpenter5550
    @jeremycarpenter5550 3 месяца назад

    Hey mark would you please do a video about people with disabilities and dateing i have cerebral palsy and can't find a date in church i am a Christian. It is very hard for me because i am shy and disabled so i have to overcome more than an average person and it seems to me i only atrack non Christian women and i don't know why . Oh and I'm getting older to i really want to have a god glorified marriage but the women in my church are either to young or to old . But please do one video on disabilities and dateing bo one seems to want to touch this video.

  • @RandiTafoyaMinistries
    @RandiTafoyaMinistries 2 года назад

    What about if you’re with a younger person who never been married and no kids and you’ve already raised kids and been married and divorced?

  • @EriPages
    @EriPages 24 дня назад

    15+ year age gap is just fine. It always depends on the individuals.

  • @anakameal
    @anakameal 5 лет назад +2

    My Fiancee is 21 from the USA I'm 30 from Australia it was lots of long Distance before he came to Australia to meet me, when we first meet in person it was strange but like still instant like we are definitely more then Just mates... Fast forward a year on we are planning to get Married. we have age, culture, religious diffrences (I'm Catholic, He is Mormon) He knew not having our wedding in the Catholic church was not going to be an option for me and we are booked in and His Dad, Mum, Sister and Best friend are flying over for the Wedding they are as excited we are! And so is my Dad, Mum her new Partner and my Brother are just as excited so support helps.
    Look like any relationship there is always compromise and sacrifices 'love' is great and all that but it will not just be enough for the long term marrages life happens to gods plan not ours but remarried You vowed under god for better OR worse, sick of heathy I WILL stand by this person... Marriage is something you are always going to be working at. And you need to ask BIG questions!, like how much are you really willing to compromise if your trully Honest with youself? and that should be a question for any relationship not just age gap. For us We both knew we want children, Preferably our own but not until we are both ready and if need be adoption is fine with us, even if we have our own and we adopt children that come from trubbled backgrounds, family for us is everything!, if I'm just to old when that time comes, so be it we foster or adopt... Its all about compatibility, Really the only people that know your relationship are you both and God and ask deal breaker questions!!!. Like not ganna lie I was worried that slight diffrencess in Religion would be a problem, Nope, we have both been learn about the similaritys and diffrencess and how the dynamic will work for our Children and we both agree that they will be raised knowing both Sides and we will embrace most diffrences also and allow our children to choose they could choose neither and neither of us want that... but. we will love and support them and each other no matter what and both of us (especually me) have very strong feelings against divorce unless it is necessary (eg domestic violance) but no age is NOTHING!!! No the main questions you should be asking like He said it about understanding you do have an age gap but how will you work through diffrncess, comunucate, work out problems, so love, compromise etc.... That is what makes a marrage and a family not an age diffrence.

  • @therabidpancake1
    @therabidpancake1 6 лет назад +13

    Its pretty important to me to have a partner in my life however I am having trouble meeting anyone. I am not sure if I am just spiritually immature or what. I think I am pretty spiritually mature for my age. I think it is most of the people my age that are spiritually immature. I think most people my age are just immature physically the way that they do thing, the way that they talk and think probably pretty judgmental on my part, but how do you make a call like that without making a judgment. You don't. I have also considered that it isn't me that is spiritually immature it is that most of the women my age are not mature enough for me. I am also a little bit afraid to approach women that are older than me. I have a lot of trouble with relationships I am still learning, but I can not continue learning if I can not even get a date. My dad tells me that because I am disabled I will likely be with another disabled person, which doesn't bother me. What does bug me is that most disabled people are poorly educated and usually mad at God, atheist or rebelling from God. I am really not that disabled I should be able to be with a woman that has no disability what so ever, but people these days do not think about anyone but themselves. I guess I am a little bitter. Only after not being treated fairly for years it is not easy. Disabled people in our community always get the short end of the stick. you think it would be easier to meet people in church, but people in most churches are more judgmental than people anywhere else. I have trouble even making friends because people are so judgmental. like I said I am a little bit bitter and I have some trust issues, but I just want a woman to share my life and my Lord Jesus Christ with and I feel demonized in this world that is always growing more evil. I know Jesus gave us every warning that if we follow him that there would be persecution not that I am saying that I regret it. I am more than willing to suffer for Jesus.

    • @debidevalois9932
      @debidevalois9932 6 лет назад +5

      ryan derksen
      Just put your full trust in the Lord Ryan. You sound like a young guy, and I may be old enough to be your mother and then some...However, I can relate to you because I am still single (although I could have been married several times over, but I don't believe any of these men were the right choice for me) I have also dealt with a lot of physical issues and am considered "disabled". Although I have been single for many years, I am without regrets and happily single. I still believe that God has that right person for me and I trust his timing. At one time I was considered very attractive and dated alot. However, it really is not about how attractive a person is, how young, how old, whether disabled or not. Its about your spiritual maturity and trusting God in the process. He knows the person he has in mind for me and I believe he always brings people together in part for the plans and desires he has for them as a couple.
      I encourage you to let go of the bitterness. All of it! Seriously, it's poison to you and will inhibit and impede any future relationships, especially with your potential chosen mate. God loves you so Ryan...disabled or not. It doesn't matter Ryan. God loves everyone the same. Man looks at the outside, but God looks at the heart. 💜 Don't sell yourself short. I encourage you to just enjoy being who you are and don't worry too much about what others think of you. Just be comfortable in the skin you are in. Your kindness, intelligence, and sensitivity will draw the right people to you. God knows what you need ...if you delight yourself in him he will give you the desires of your heart and he will do it above all that you can ask or even dream. Ask God to make and mold you into the kind of young man that will attract that young woman of Godly character. When the timing is right she will be drawn to you and you to her for all the right reasons and God will be glorified in it. Wishing you the best in all your endeavors Ryan! God bless you!

  • @emeliaphiri9743
    @emeliaphiri9743 5 лет назад

    Do you think it's okey to date a man who is 10yeaes elder than you and he has a son from another women but never got married before?

  • @joicecarinat.manuel4755
    @joicecarinat.manuel4755 3 года назад +3

    please help, im in a 17 year age gap relationship, we both okay with it but im worried that when he is 50 i will be 33.. i am a christian

    • @AnayawaN
      @AnayawaN 3 года назад +2

      I don't know if this will help you but my ex was 20 years older than me. When I was 33, he was 53. He was a good man and a Christian. If people take care of their bodies, they are actually quite fit in their 50s (I don't know about 70s). What broke us up was we were at different stages in life. He was divorced and had children - it was difficult for me to understand that situation. At some point I thought it was difficult for him to understand how much I wanted to get married and start a family because he had already passed through that phase. To complicate things further, my parents failed to accept him. This affected both of us and made me angry with God. Since breaking up, I am now at peace. I still preferer a man to be older but maybe 20 years is too much. I'm choosing to follow God's plan for me - whether my future husband will be older, the same age or younger. I hope things work out for you.

  • @lukasclements1541
    @lukasclements1541 4 года назад +1

    Hey Pastor Mark, I am currently 14, and she is 17. I dont want to ask her out now because I want to wait until I'm older, but when do you think I should ask her out? What do you think? I was thinking when I'm 16...

    • @Dodderyfeline31
      @Dodderyfeline31 2 года назад

      wait until you are 18, or as long as God has you waiting. youre really young. you dont need to hurry. its hard I know, but being patient with these things is much better than jumping into stuff.

  • @maryswenson5357
    @maryswenson5357 6 лет назад +11

    I heard cut your age in half add 7 yrs date that or older in age range I have a few guys who like me and they are 5-7 yrs younger then myself. I think dating younger is fine as long as spiritually they are mature and also want the same things say values like family and work ethic are a focus for them. Also a younger guy can keep a women younger as well and keep her a bit more patient but bring her back to the simple things and keep priorities straight we women get to anxious and serious about life sometimes it's great to have that person who says it's going to be fine.

    • @ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger
      @ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger  6 лет назад

      👍

    • @maryswenson5357
      @maryswenson5357 6 лет назад +1

      Ya maybe but that number formula was for people who are 30 or older to figure out if dating someone a few yrs younger would be not creepy I personally think maturity and values matter more and alot of guys are not even looking to marry until after 30 now which is smart alot of good women but alot of selfish immature ladies as well

    • @ashley__c
      @ashley__c 6 лет назад +3

      Mary that's so true! nice comment! I think dating a younger person can make you feel younger too

    • @corriescrivener1937
      @corriescrivener1937 6 лет назад +1

      f--k that rule date who u wont. as u only get one life dont waste it on what other people want for u . a 50 year old has the right to date a 20 something year old as long as there click age its just a number

    • @maryswenson5357
      @maryswenson5357 6 лет назад +3

      Corrie Scrivener I was referring more to being in 30s and dating someone younger like I don't want a real immature 23 yr old but if a guy was mature I wouldn't care if he's 24 and I'm 32

  • @whathappenedwas7083
    @whathappenedwas7083 4 года назад +3

    I am also more comfortable with a max of the man to 10 years, but it's hard when I'm 29 he's 44 and I know the very real risks. Hard to get it out of my head and just see what comes.

    • @kaym5015
      @kaym5015 4 года назад +3

      I am courting a man who is 46 and I am 31...I understand your concerns with your relationship. 1 Corinthians 14:33 -
      "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.But he is a very Godly man who I have admired for about 2years. So age was not enough to stop me.

  • @leo_Pop_03
    @leo_Pop_03 6 месяцев назад

    Is 4 years of age gap considered ok?
    One time on October 15th 2022 during BOA Bands of America event, I was a videographer for Jack Britt High School marching band several months after I’ve graduated from Jack Britt class of 2022.
    I met a girl by a name of Abigail Taylor a member of Cary HS Color Guard whom she and I had a very good conversation. And during great conversation, she smiled a lot at me and she was a nice person. Both of us are Christian since I’m orthodox and she’s a baptist.
    I believe she’s 16 years old and I’m 20 years old. God permit I’ll wait till she turns 18 to date.
    My question I have is 4 age gap perfect when getting older??
    Happy New Year Everyone and God Hope year of 2024 shall show greater things with God’s help.
    Amen🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

  • @Butterfly_stardust
    @Butterfly_stardust 5 лет назад +1

    I agree with you! This is my opinion though: I think what God decides for you is best either getting married to someone who is older, younger or the same age as you doesn't really matter, or even not getting mariied at all and just serving God for the rest of your life! So yeah! But you're right! The sipitital age matter most more than your phsycal age. Secondly of what I think is not over like 16 or 18 would be okay! But it really depends!! :)

  • @gradypham2346
    @gradypham2346 4 года назад

    Hello there, I want to know if Episoketren System, will work for me? I notice many people keep on speaking about this popular training program.

  • @e_v_a.m_e_n_d_e_z
    @e_v_a.m_e_n_d_e_z 3 года назад +5

    I really hope my husband is older than me I’m 21

    • @Kirstys635
      @Kirstys635 4 месяца назад

      Your husband is whomever you choose, so ultimately it's up to you how old he is.
      God gives you free will, as in God will present options to you but it your choice in the end.
      If you didn't have free will to choose then it wouldn't truely be love.

  • @patriciakelly8643
    @patriciakelly8643 6 лет назад +2

    Spiritual maturity is more important when the women is older? By how much older?

  • @mode200
    @mode200 5 лет назад +3

    My fiancé is younger than me and a new believer, not spiritually mature. Engagement off then? . 🤔 ?? .

  • @cathybaldry7822
    @cathybaldry7822 5 лет назад +4

    I've had exs a far amount older and a fair amount younger. I'll take younger anyday. Younger men are willing to grow with you. Older guys want what they want, when they want it, how they want it no arguments no negotiation. I've found them less adaptive and intolerant. I've found with older men as compared to the older woman scenario there is a tendancy for a power play not a balanced relationship. I'll stick to younger anyday and I've never related to guys my own age

  • @JS-xs5hq
    @JS-xs5hq Год назад

    Brother, thank you for this video, but five years is not an age gap.