What does the Bible say about living together before marriage?

In contemporary society, living together before marriage has become increasingly common. However, many people look to the Bible for guidance on this and other relationship matters. While the Bible does not explicitly mention the concept of living together before marriage as we understand it today, its teachings on marriage, sexual morality, and relationships offer insights that can be applied to this topic.

Biblical Teachings on Marriage and Relationships

• Marriage as a Covenant: The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant, a committed partnership that is honored and blessed by God.
• Genesis 2:24: “Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh.”
• This verse emphasizes the importance of the marital bond and the deep connection it signifies.

• Sexual Morality: The Bible speaks frequently about sexual morality, advocating for sexual relations to be reserved for the marriage covenant.
• Hebrews 13:4: “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled, but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.”
• This passage suggests that sexual activity is to be confined within the bounds of marriage.

The Concept of Purity

• Purity Before Marriage: Biblical teachings often emphasize the value of purity before marriage, both in physical and spiritual terms.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4: “For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor.”
• This encourages individuals to maintain sexual purity and honor in their relationships.

The Importance of Avoiding Temptation

• Avoiding Situations of Temptation: The Bible advises avoiding situations that could lead to sexual immorality or compromise one’s convictions.
• 1 Corinthians 6:18: “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.”
• Cohabitation can present situations where maintaining sexual purity is more challenging.

The Witness to Society

• Reflecting Biblical Values: Christians are called to live in a way that reflects their beliefs and values to the wider society.
• Matthew 5:16: “Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
• The decision to live together before marriage can be seen as a reflection of one’s values and witness to others.

Practical Considerations and Alternatives

• Building a Strong Foundation: Focus on building a strong relational foundation through other means, such as counseling, communication, and shared experiences.
• Seeking Counsel and Wisdom: Engage with wise counsel from trusted mentors, pastors, or counselors who can provide guidance and perspective.

The Bible, while not directly addressing the modern concept of living together before marriage, provides principles on marriage, sexual morality, and purity that can inform one’s decision in this area. It encourages individuals to consider the implications of their choices on their personal faith, their relationship, and their witness to others. Ultimately, the decision should be made with careful consideration, seeking to align one’s actions with their beliefs and values, and with a commitment to honoring the principles of marriage as depicted in the Bible.