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Question: Is there anywhere in the Bible that states it is okay for a man and woman to live together if they are not married, and are not in a sexual relationship, but more of a loving relationship hugging kissing, no more?
Answer:
There are a few things to consider in your scenario:
1.) This certainly violates 1 Thessalonians 5:22. "Abstain all appearance of evil." (also 1 Peter 3:10; Proverbs 4:27). To all who observe you, it would definitely appear that you are living together. This biblically is defined as fornication. There are many scriptures that tell us to avoid this sin. (Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Corinthians 6:9, etc.)
2.) A person is fooling themself to think that they can constantly put themself in the place of temptation and not succumb. Otherwise, why would the scripture advise us to "Flee youthful lusts" (2 Timothy 2:22) and "Flee fornication" (1 Corinthians. 6:18). It obviously must be a temptation which is easily given in to and therefore you must flee from it. You are putting yourself in a place to be assailed by "fleshly lusts that war against the soul" (1 Peter 2:11). In time past we walked in lust but now we are to avoid it at all cost (1 Peter 4:2, 3). If lust is not a problem why would Paul counsel them to "abstain from fornication?" (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5).
3.) Why are you unwilling to make the commitment of marriage? Just from a worldly view, I would not advise anyone to live with an individual based on the fact of their unwillingness to make a real commitment. This is the reason people live together instead of getting married. The modern day thought of living together to test the relationship is not consistent with the idea of finding the will of God and then living in it.
4.) Is it really even proper for you to kiss and hug each other before you are married? 1 Corinthians 7:1 states that "It is good for a man not to touch a woman." Paul is specific in this chapter that marriage is the only place where physical relationships such as this are acceptable. These things incite lust and carnal desires.
We trust that this will help you. We are living in an age where we are ruled by the world's morality, or lack thereof, instead of God's Word. We must not accept the carnal, sinful lifestyles of this age.
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