What the Bible Says About Living Together
Living together before marriage has become a common practice in today’s society. However, many people are still curious about what the Bible says about this topic. The Bible, as a sacred text for Christians, offers guidance on various aspects of life, including relationships and marriage. In this article, we will explore what the Bible teaches about living together and how it can impact one’s spiritual and emotional well-being.
1. The Creation of Marriage
The Bible begins by describing the creation of marriage in Genesis 2:24. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother, and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This verse establishes the institution of marriage as a divine union between a man and a woman. It implies that marriage is a sacred bond that God has ordained, and living together before marriage is not in line with this divine plan.
2. The Importance of Marriage
In Ephesians 5:22-33, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of marriage as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the church. He writes, “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.” This passage suggests that marriage is a divine institution that serves as a foundation for a healthy and God-centered life.
3. The Practice of Cohabitation
While the Bible does not explicitly condemn cohabitation, it does not endorse the practice either. In 1 Corinthians 7:2-5, Paul discusses the importance of sexual purity and encourages believers to marry rather than live together. He writes, “But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” This passage indicates that cohabitation can lead to temptation and moral decay.
4. The Spiritual and Emotional Consequences
Living together before marriage can have spiritual and emotional consequences. Without the commitment and stability of marriage, individuals may struggle with issues such as trust, loyalty, and the fear of abandonment. Furthermore, cohabitation can create unrealistic expectations and lead to disappointment when the relationship eventually ends.
5. The Call to Purity
The Bible encourages believers to live a life of purity and holiness. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, Paul writes, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.” This passage calls believers to live a life of purity, which includes refraining from premarital sexual relationships and cohabitation.
In conclusion, while the Bible does not explicitly condemn living together, it does not endorse the practice either. The Bible emphasizes the importance of marriage as a divine institution and encourages believers to live a life of purity and holiness. By following these teachings, individuals can ensure a healthy and God-centered relationship that will stand the test of time.
