Sex before marriage? abstinence works!
Waiting until marriage to have sex is the best way to enjoy life as God intended. There are good reasons behind God’s instruction which improves relationship building and also safeguards our physical, mental and spiritual health. Avoiding sex before marriage is possible by seeking out the strength of Christ.
This article has been written by John Kidson (Dip. Theology/Ministry, ACT; B. Counselling, UNE), Simon Rose and Rebecca Martin.
God has given us many things richly to enjoy and some guidelines as well. He has defined some areas as ‘no go zones’ as far as our behaviour is concerned. Essentially all God’s rules are for our benefit. Nowhere is this more clearly seen than in the way he has given one of his greatest gifts: human sexuality.
This is a ‘relational’ gift: ideally one woman and one man relate for life in all ways and not least at the sexual level. New humans are formed by a couple’s relating and their relationship sustains and enriches the whole of their lives. The Bible is quite clear about aspects that need to be part of such a relationship and just as clear about what should not be included. Commitment, faithfulness and the general potential for children rank as high positives. Aggression, lust and promiscuousness are all strong negatives.
Abstinence from sex until marriage is key for building an intimate and long lasting relationship. It draws two people closer together emotionally and is a special time when each person can spend time getting to know one another. The desire to avoid sex before marriage encourages self control which ultimately demonstrates trust to a partner. In turn this trust allows vulnerability towards each other producing a fruitful and intimate relationship.
A relationship with a regular pattern of worldly lust draws attention away from a true and deep relationship because lust is selfish. A truly satisfying relationship is expressed where one is mindful of the other in selfless thought and action. Lust is harmful because it seeks objects of desire to please oneself first and often without regard to the consequences. Promiscuity is part of lust, that degrades trust because it lacks self control and tends to view sex and people more casually. Sex is a sacred and beautiful part of marriage, and shouldn’t be seen as a casual act to satisfy superficial desires and insecurities.
Answered by
marigold137
, an ibibo Citizen,
at
8:59 AM on October 01, 2008