‘Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money!’ Psalms 119:36(NLT)
‘For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord . “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. ‘ Jeremiah 29:11(NLT)
‘Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. For you remember what we taught you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor— not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways. Never harm or cheat a fellow believer in this matter by violating his wife, for the Lord avenges all such sins, as we have solemnly warned you before. God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.’ 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8(NLT)
‘Now regarding the questions you asked in your letter. Yes, it is good to abstain from sexual relations. But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband.’ 1 Corinthians 7:1-2(NLT)
‘So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows—it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust.’ 1 Corinthians 7:8-9(NLT)
Our passion is for us and our children to experience God’s “abundance”. God has great plans for our families. His word has principles that make relationships work best.
We will be bold here and tell you that living together is not God’s design.
The Journal of Marriage and Family published a study showing couples who lived together before marriage had a higher divorce rate after five years. When there is no commitment our relationships will only go so far.
The Bible states that pre-marital sex is contrary to what God intended for marriage. Please realize that families will not blend in this environment.
1. Cohabitation involves a lack of commitment between partners, for whatever reason(s). That issue is seldom discussed by a couple for fear of being perceived as “pushing” the other person to make commitments. Without commitment there can be (and probably is) a lack of fulfillment in the relationship.
2. When children perceive lack of commitment between adults, they may be hesitant to connect to the relationship.
We knew a 16-year-old son who saw his Mom crying one night. She was experiencing her fifth relationship failure. Frustrated, he told her, “Mom, every time a man leaves you, he leaves me, too.”
If our children tell us negative things about our partner, they risk us choosing our partner over them. That is a risk they may not be willing to take.
Marriage is not something that can be “tried-out” whether it will work. Marriage is created by God and models the perfect love between Jesus Christ and His church (us). A thriving marriage is two people committed to value and nurture, to love and honor, and to protect each other’s heart. It creates a best friend relationship, putting each other first ahead of our own desires. Marriages that work well have partners committed to making it work.
We believe that most struggles in marriage are spiritual. If we are building our home with God’s principles, our homes will be filled with love, peace, and joy.
Suggestions:
Give thought to the reasons you are living together. (fear, finances, loneliness, etc.)
Children do what they see. Do you want your child to follow your example?
Our Prayer for you:
Holy Spirit, take control of negative circumstances, and bring life and truth into this family through the power of uplifting and life giving words, in Jesus’ name!
Copyright 2019 Moe and Paige Becnel @ Blending A Family Ministry
from Blending A Family