Updated 11:59 pm.EST, Fri November 20, 2009

Ministries|Wed, Nov. 04 2009 10:51 AM EDT

What's the Big Deal with Cohabitation?

By Billy Graham|Christian Post Guest Columnist

Q: My girlfriend and I are living together, but her parents have let it be known they don't approve "because God doesn't like it." What's the big deal? It's so common today that I don't see why anyone should object. -- J.K.

  • Billy Graham
    (Photo: BGEA / File)

A: Your girlfriend's parents may seem old-fashioned to you, and I realize that may make you dismiss what they say. But they have good reasons for their disapproval, and I hope you'll at least take time to consider them.

What they say is true: God does not approve of sexual relations outside of the vow of marriage. In fact, the Bible teaches us that "The body is not meant for sexual immorality" and commands us to "Flee from sexual immorality" (1 Corinthians 6:13,18). Sexual immorality was even more common in the 1st century than it is today -- but that didn't change God's command.

But why did God put the "fence" of marriage around His gift of sex? One reason is because He meant for it to be a sign of commitment -- the commitment of a husband and wife to each other. That sign, however, can only be fulfilled within the commitment of marriage. Your present relationship may seem happy for a time, but it will always lack one thing: commitment. Without the commitment of marriage, your relationship will always be insecure.

There is a larger issue, however, that I hope you'll face -- and that is the place God should have in your life. Right now you are living only for yourself. But God created you, and He loves you and wants you to know Him personally. This is the greatest discovery you will ever make -- and I pray you will make it by turning to Jesus Christ and committing your life to Him.

________________________________________________

Affectionately known as the "World's Preacher" for more than 60 years, the Rev. Billy Graham is one of the most influential and respected spiritual leaders of the 20th century. He has been a friend and spiritual advisor to ten American presidents and has preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history - nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories - through various meetings. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film, and webcasts. Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.
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  • Fri Nov 06, 2009 3:31 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

    Certainly, without the "holy matrimony", any live-in relationship will be doomed in the long run, be it weeks, months or years. Mostly because God cannot and will not bless this type of arrangement, but also because 2 self centered people will eventually drift apart from each other anyway. This I know from experience. Conversely, even WITH holy matrimony, 2 self centered people will eventually become dissatisfied in their marriage, because they cannot be happily selfishly married. Get married to the right one, at the right time, for the right reasons, under God's canopy of blessing.

  • Thu Nov 05, 2009 4:26 pm Agree: 3   Disagree: 0

    I have never read a more clear and concise answer to this important question of the day. I've thought about this question in passing, but never in depth. Through this post I now have a Christian response to those who ask questions about cohabitation. Even in retirement Billy Graham is helping those who struggle to lead a daily Christian life style!

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