It is becoming increasingly common for couples to live together for a season before pursuing a marriage commitment. We welcome people from all living situations and backgrounds to attend our church.
When God first spoke about this issue, He said that both a man and woman would leave their parents and join together to form a new home, a new union, in marriage. (See Genesis 2:24) But many couples want to see how they will get along before they commit to marriage. While it may be convenient to follow after what the world says is appropriate, we believe that God has something more for you.
Sometimes one or both people in a dating relationship don’t have the financial means to live on their own, so they suggest living together. While the financial facts may be accurate, the decision to live together is still not God’s best for you.
We believe the key to a great relationship before marriage is clear communication and boundaries. If one person is really pushing the other to live together, he or she is most likely doing it for selfish reasons. They are focusing on what they want, rather than the well being of the relationship or other person. Don’t expect your partner to be strong enough to avoid temptation for both of you. Have an honest conversation about realistic boundaries that you can set to keep your relationship pure. We believe that purity now will lead to true intimacy in marriage.
