What does Jesus say about living together before marriage? This question has been a topic of much debate and speculation among Christians and non-Christians alike. Jesus, as the central figure in Christianity, is often seen as the ultimate authority on moral and ethical matters. Therefore, understanding His perspective on premarital cohabitation is crucial for many individuals seeking guidance in their personal lives and relationships.
In the Bible, Jesus’ teachings on marriage and relationships are primarily found in the New Testament. While He does not explicitly mention the concept of living together before marriage, His overall message about purity, commitment, and the sanctity of marriage can be interpreted to provide insight into this issue.
One of the key teachings of Jesus regarding marriage is found in Matthew 19:4-6, where He quotes from 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 passage emphasizes the unity and exclusivity of marriage. Jesus’ emphasis on the “one flesh” union suggests that marriage is a sacred bond that should be entered into with full commitment and exclusivity. This could imply that living together outside of marriage may undermine the purity and exclusivity that Jesus intended for marriage.
Furthermore, Jesus frequently emphasized the importance of purity and self-control in His teachings. In Matthew 5:27-28, He says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” This passage highlights the importance of purity in thought and action. Living together before marriage could be seen as a form of premarital sexual activity, which Jesus warns against.
However, it is important to note that Jesus’ teachings are not solely focused on the negative consequences of premarital cohabitation. He also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. In Matthew 18:21-22, Jesus teaches about the process of reconciliation within the church, which includes seeking forgiveness and making amends. This suggests that if individuals have engaged in premarital cohabitation, they can seek God’s forgiveness and strive to live according to His teachings moving forward.
In conclusion, while Jesus does not explicitly address the issue of living together before marriage, His teachings on purity, commitment, and the sanctity of marriage provide a framework for understanding this topic. His emphasis on purity and exclusivity in marriage suggests that premarital cohabitation may not align with His intended purpose for marriage. However, Jesus also offers forgiveness and guidance for those who have strayed from His teachings. As Christians seek to discern the best path for their relationships, they can turn to Jesus’ teachings and the wisdom of the Church to guide them in making informed decisions.
