Expert: Susan Milillo - 8/4/2009

Question
Dear Susan,

My question is about what did the Bible say about relationships? I am talking more about the limits in which I can conduct a relation with my boyfriend.
In other words, it has became commun to have sex/make love without marriage in some societies.  Is it ok in a christian way of life?
I think the answer is negative.
The problem is that my boyfriend wants to go more further with me and have more of me, and i dont feel this is appropriate for I believe that our bodies must be sacred for serving the Lord till marriage.

I want to know the limits within which I can have intimacy with my boyfriend?

thank you so much for taking time to read and answer my question.
God Bless.

Answer
Dear Nina,

    I'm so glad you are thinking the way you are.   You are absolutely right, sex outside marriage is NOT okay in God's will.   It certainly has become culturally acceptable, but it is nowhere endorsed in the Bible, and is in many ways and places forbidden.
    I'd say, don't let your boyfriend pressure you, and if he can't even kiss you without pressuring you to go further, for example, then for you even kissing is a compromise.   
    Purity is so much more than the specific actions we do, it's an attitude of the heart and mind.   Nina, commit yourself to Him and continue to do good.  (I Peter 4:19)   Please actually, read all of I Peter 4.  If you need more passages that touch on the issue, please ask !  There are a LOT of them.  One more, direct one, is Hebrews 13:4. Please read this, too.

be strong in the Lord !!

Love in Jesus,
Susan