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Should marriage simply be a relationship option? Meaning, couples should consider marriage as a first choice, because it is important. However, if they decide not to, then living together can be a solid second. Which of course, can lead to marriage later. What is your opinion?“God did not intend that a son or daughter would leave their parents for their boyfriend or girlfriend, instead, He planned for them to leave their parents for their husband or wife.”
Religions of the world advocate for and see the value in marriage such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Hinduism. Governments of the world have laws that recognize and encourage marriage. Yet, amid this, for generations there have been a steady increase of couples choosing to live together first, before marriage, or avoiding it altogether. In many situations now, people are hard pressed to find someone they know that has never lived with someone outside of marriage. It is an accepted cultural norm to avoid wedding bells and instead sleep with a person for one night or 20 years.
This begs an honest question. Why wait?
Let me respond by starting at the beginning, where marriage has its origins. God created humankind’s first man and woman, Adam and Eve. Then brought them together as husband and wife with this statement, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24) Since that day, marriage has been a part of the fabric of our world across all cultures and religions.
“Shall leave” means a man and woman will both separate themselves from their parents. They purposefully leave behind dad and mom, in order to join themselves as husband and wife. What does this communicate? It demonstrates a serious and deep commitment to their spouse, where they yield all of themselves to one another, and shows they value their spouse, greater than their parents and all others.
God did not intend that a son or daughter would leave their parents for their boyfriend or girlfriend. Nor did He intend that parents would welcome a girlfriend to sleep with their son, in their own home. There is no thoughtful, dedicated and life-long commitment in this. It is a short-term, half-hearted way of thinking, that puts feelings of pleasure ahead of a serious and permanent commitment.
“Shall leave” refers to a fortification or strength. When a husband joins with a wife, they become one. They become stronger together through their mutual dedication. When couples simply move in together, there is not the same strength to draw on when tough times come, the feelings of attraction come and go, and days turn into months or years, because there is no marital commitment.
“Hold fast” means keeping close, as skin is to the bone. This relates to physical closeness, being near together in proximity. It communicates attraction, where a husband is drawn to his wife. It speaks of intimacy, when a man and woman join sexually and become one flesh. Lastly, this highlights loyalty. A husband “holds fast” to his wife, because he is loyal to her, come whatever may. Where is the demonstration of marriage-type loyalty in a live-in relationship?
Millions are living together with their boyfriends or girlfriends. Though it is popular and many are choosing this path, if you are one of those, will you reconsider and chart a new course for yourself? God wants His best for you. Follow His path, even if you walk it alone among your friends.
Though you have fallen short of God’s standard, through Jesus your guilt can be removed, and your shame washed away. Christ shed His blood, died and rose again to give you new life. But there is a price.
You must be willing to stop sleeping with the one you are not married to, and turn fully to Jesus by faith. This is repentance. Then His glorious gift of forgiveness will be yours.
Today, decide to change the future of your family tree.
A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray for the one who is living together with someone he or she is not married to. Bring them to ponder your truth and be persuaded to turn from their sin and follow your ways. Bring them newness of life and freedom this hour. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Let me respond by starting at the beginning, where marriage has its origins. God created humankind’s first man and woman, Adam and Eve. Then brought them together as husband and wife with this statement, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24) Since that day, marriage has been a part of the fabric of our world across all cultures and religions.
“Shall leave” means a man and woman will both separate themselves from their parents. They purposefully leave behind dad and mom, in order to join themselves as husband and wife. What does this communicate? It demonstrates a serious and deep commitment to their spouse, where they yield all of themselves to one another, and shows they value their spouse, greater than their parents and all others.
God did not intend that a son or daughter would leave their parents for their boyfriend or girlfriend. Nor did He intend that parents would welcome a girlfriend to sleep with their son, in their own home. There is no thoughtful, dedicated and life-long commitment in this. It is a short-term, half-hearted way of thinking, that puts feelings of pleasure ahead of a serious and permanent commitment.
“Shall leave” refers to a fortification or strength. When a husband joins with a wife, they become one. They become stronger together through their mutual dedication. When couples simply move in together, there is not the same strength to draw on when tough times come, the feelings of attraction come and go, and days turn into months or years, because there is no marital commitment.
“Hold fast” means keeping close, as skin is to the bone. This relates to physical closeness, being near together in proximity. It communicates attraction, where a husband is drawn to his wife. It speaks of intimacy, when a man and woman join sexually and become one flesh. Lastly, this highlights loyalty. A husband “holds fast” to his wife, because he is loyal to her, come whatever may. Where is the demonstration of marriage-type loyalty in a live-in relationship?
Millions are living together with their boyfriends or girlfriends. Though it is popular and many are choosing this path, if you are one of those, will you reconsider and chart a new course for yourself? God wants His best for you. Follow His path, even if you walk it alone among your friends.
Though you have fallen short of God’s standard, through Jesus your guilt can be removed, and your shame washed away. Christ shed His blood, died and rose again to give you new life. But there is a price.
You must be willing to stop sleeping with the one you are not married to, and turn fully to Jesus by faith. This is repentance. Then His glorious gift of forgiveness will be yours.
Today, decide to change the future of your family tree.
A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray for the one who is living together with someone he or she is not married to. Bring them to ponder your truth and be persuaded to turn from their sin and follow your ways. Bring them newness of life and freedom this hour. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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