When it comes to sex, the Bible speaks in clear and explicit terms. What we think of as “sex outside of marriage” is firmly prohibited according to the Bible. In Leviticus 18: 20, it says, “You shall not have intercourse with your neighbor’s wife and defile yourself with her”. This is a direct reference to adultery and fornication, both of which are unequivocally condemned according to scripture.
God does not endorse a double standard when it comes to sex. In Matthew 19:6, Jesus says, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What God has joined together, let no one separate.” This is a clear indication that God intends sex to be a special, holy union between one man and one woman, and that it should be reserved for marriage only.
The Bible is clear that sex outside of marriage is wrong, but why is it so important that we abstain? The answer can be found in the book of Corinthians, where Paul explains that lust leads to impurity and immorality, which can be overcome only through faith in the Lord. In other words, God wants us to use our faith to restrain our sexual desires and to remain pure while we wait to marry.
This doesn’t mean that sex can’t take place outside of marriage, however. In fact, many committed, long-term relationships start out with couples having sex before they get married. But the difference is that these couples exercise restraint and self-control while they maintain their relationship. They commit to each other, create boundaries, and come up with a plan for the future.
Ultimately, the Bible’s stance on sex outside of marriage is firm, but God wants us to be wise and discerning about our choices. The Bible encourages us to seek God’s guidance for ourselves and for our relationships, trusting that God will direct our paths.
Family and Cultural Expectations
The Bible conveys a strong message about the importance of sexual purity, but what about the wider perspective? For many people, family, friends, and cultural expectations can be just as powerful and influential as scripture, and they can also shape our views on sex outside of marriage.
In some cultures, premarital sex is accepted, while in others it is strictly prohibited. Many families have their own set of rules and traditions that they expect their children to follow. In some cases, these rules are rooted in religious ideals, while in other cases, they are rooted in cultural beliefs or norms.
No matter what the beliefs or traditions of a family or culture may be, it is important to remember that everyone has a safe, supportive place to go for guidance. Whether it is a pastor, counselor, or trusted parent or other adult, talking to someone about one’s feelings and desires can be very helpful in making decisions.
The most important thing is to be mindful of one’s individual beliefs and values and to make the choices that one feels most comfortable with. Our ultimate goal should be to make our decisions with values that honor God, respect ourselves, and acknowledge society’s expectations.
Love and Companionship
Although sex outside of marriage is prohibited according to scripture, the Bible has plenty to say about finding love and companionship in order to foster healthy relationships. The book of Proverbs contains many teachings on the importance of seeking out godly friends and partners.
God offers advice throughout the Bible on how to find the right spouse. One of the best pieces of advice can be found in the book of Isaiah, where it says, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call Him while He is near.” This is a reminder that God is always close and is always ready to help us make wise decisions.
The Bible also emphasizes developing relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and commitment. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, it says, “Love is kind and patient. Love does not envy or boast. Love is not proud or rude. Love does not insist on its own way. Love does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth.” This is an example of the kind of love that is necessary for any successful, lasting relationship.
When it comes to sex, the Bible is clear in its teachings, but it also has plenty to say about how to find a life partner and experience a loving, fulfilling relationship. The Bible can provide us with guidance, if we are willing to listen.
Maintaining Purity
The Bible’s message is clear: sex should be reserved for marriage only. But what happens when it is not? How can people maintain sexual purity and make sure they are living in accordance with God’s will?
One of the best ways to stay sexually pure is to set boundaries. This may look different for different people, but the goal should be to come up with a plan that will help protect your purity. Talk openly with partners about expectations, and make sure that those expectations do not violate your Christian beliefs.
Another key is to actively seek out godly counsel and to surround yourself with people who can encourage and support you. The Bible tells us, “bad company corrupts good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33), so it’s essential to make sure that you are surrounding yourself with people who share your values.
Finally, turn to prayer. Praying daily for strength and guidance can help remind us of our need for self-control and restraint. When our minds start to wander, the Bible says to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Maintaining sexual purity is not easy, but it should be our goal when engaging in relationships. When we commit to living according to God’s will, God will honor our determination and faithfulness.
Healthy Interactions
When considering interacting outside of marriage, one should think not only of the physical implications, but also the mental and emotional health of their relationships. One can struggle with purity while engaging in physical activities, such as dancing, that don’t involve sexual contact.
God wants us to be honest with ourselves and with each other, and to be aware of our thought patterns. Think carefully about things such as how long you are together in an intimate atmosphere, how often you are together, if there is any alcohol or drugs being used or any inappropriate touching or language.
The Bible also teaches us to be mindful of our bodies, and to take responsibility for our own health and safety. If there is any question of possible harm, it is best to stay safe and to practice self-control. God calls us to remain pure, and that means making sure we are taking every precaution to protect ourselves.
Ultimately, the Bible offers us clear guidance when it comes to sex outside of marriage. We must be mindful of our beliefs and values, and strive to live in a way that honors God’s word. By seeking God’s guidance and having open, honest conversations with those with whom we are in relationships, we can maintain our purity and stay safe.
Emotional Connections
The Bible has a lot to say about how we, as Christians, should interact and relate to one another, especially when it comes to sex outside of marriage. We are called to honor God and respect ourselves, and when we form relationships, we must take care to form them in line with our values.
At the same time, the Bible also encourages us to form deep, meaningful relationships with the people in our lives. It says, “A friend loves at all times…” (Proverbs 17:17). This doesn’t mean that we should have intimaterelationships with everyone we meet, but it does mean that we should open our hearts and minds to forming deep, meaningful connections with those we trust.
We can still form relationships that are full of love and respect, even if we don’t have physical contact. The Bible encourages us to share in meaningful conversations, to enjoy moments of laughter, and to display acts of kindness.
As Christians, we should strive to create relationships that honor God, respect ourselves, and deepen our connections with those around us. We can still build meaningful, relationships, even if we don’t engage in physical intimacy.
