CHRISTIANS COHABITING; Right or Wrong?
Hi, Trust this meets you well.
Shoutout to Temmy, she asked me to write on this and to be honest, when she told me the first thing that came to my mind was "What is a polar bear looking for in Agege?" 😂. But I realise it was a serious issue that kind of have persisted like a mole.
Unrelated, stop eating semo, or you want me to write a treatise on this? Ehn fine girl 😂.
Song of Songs 8:4b NIV Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.
As I near the end of my academic journey, I reflect on my time in school. Having spent most of my years in the hostels on campus, and some off-campus, I’ve observed a disturbing trend - widespread cohabitation among students. Unfortunately, this phenomenon is all too common. This issue isn’t new, but it’s crucial we address it within the Christian community. Cohabitation before marriage has become normalized, even among believers. I firmly believe we need to re-examine and correct this mindset, upholding biblical values and promoting healthy relationships.
By the way, I love love and I believe genuinely it is one of the best things God added to the make up of man, so so good but Scripture (Phil 1:9-10) advices Love should abound more in KNOWLEDGE so that we’ll remain pure and blameless for the day of Christ which leads us to acknowledge God’s design, Regarding Christian marriage, God’s design is clear: Genesis 2:24 (NIV) states, "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." Jesus reaffirms this in Matthew 19, directing us back to God’s original plan. Any deviation from God’s plan will have severe consequences. This emotional subject often elicits emotional reactions, leading individuals to act against their own well-being.
For believers, cohabiting while dating or courting contradicts biblical principles. Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19 emphasize that leaving one’s parents' home to unite with a partner is intended for married couples. Observing “couples” in universities, reveals a troubling trend: unaware individuals living together, attending church services, and mistaking companionship for commitment.
Upon reflection, I identify a root cause of this anomaly as lack of parental love and attention. When parents fail to demonstrate affection, their children may:
1. Seek substitute emotional support in relationships.
2. Act out unmet emotional needs through premature intimacy.
3. Confuse companionship with true commitment.
For some, societal pressures fuel harmful relationship patterns. A misguided notion of masculinity leads men to engage in:
1. Serial casual relationships
2. Multiple partners staying over
3. Objectification of women
Consequences may include Unwanted pregnancies, Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Emotional trauma, Damaged relationships.
This societal anomaly stems from:
1. Toxic masculinity norms
2. Lack of healthy relationship role models
3. Misunderstood notions of self-worth and validation
Some cultures justify cohabiting, premarital pregnancy as a fertility test, objectifying women and disregarding biblical principles. However, believers must prioritize Scripture over cultural norms.
Hebrews 13:4 (NIV) reminds us: "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral."
Cultural practices should be evaluated through a biblical lens, ensuring alignment with God's design for relationships and marriage.
1. Does this cultural practice honor God?
2. Does it align with biblical teachings?
3. Does it promote healthy relationships?
Some believers justify cohabitation as a means to "get to know each other better." However, this approach often contradicts biblical principles, As believers, we should seek to know God's heart and will, rather than relying on worldly wisdom. Statistics reveal that couples who cohabit before marriage are more likely to divorce earlier, indicating that cohabitation doesn't guarantee deeper understanding. This worldly idea of "trial" relationships isn't God's standard.
To those unintentionally crossing boundaries, beware: consistent late-night visits, sleepovers, and intimate familiarity can lead to consequences. Remember, God watches over us. And don't justify with flimsy excuses:
"I'll sleep on the bed, he'll take the couch." "We'll have separate rooms."
Scripture warns: "Do not stir up or awaken love until it pleases."
Your body is the Holy Spirit's temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Act like it is and protect it. Repent and align with God's will.
Cohabiting, while not explicitly called a sin in the Bible, can lead to situations that contradict biblical principles.
1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (NIV) cautions: "’I have the right to do anything,' you say—but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything—but not everything is constructive."
Proverbs 22:3 (NCV) advises: "The wise see danger ahead and avoid it, but fools keep going and get into trouble."
Cohabiting may not be explicitly sinful, but it can lead to harmful consequences.
By avoiding cohabiting, believers demonstrate:
1. Respect for God’s will
2. Commitment to healthy relationships
3. Wisdom in avoiding potential dangers
May believers choose wisdom, honoring God’s principles, make conscious choices to uphold biblical values and protect their spiritual integrity.
If your question now is that since I am in one now should I break it up? Please do my dear and I pray the Lord will help you.
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