What does God say about living together? This question has been a topic of much debate and controversy among religious and secular communities alike. Living together, often referred to as cohabitation, is the act of two individuals living in the same household without being legally married. With the increasing number of people choosing to cohabit before marriage, it is crucial to explore the biblical perspective on this matter.
The Bible, as the sacred text of Christianity, offers guidance on various aspects of human life, including relationships and marriage. When examining what God says about living together, it is essential to consider both the Old and New Testaments, as well as the teachings of Jesus Christ.
In the Old Testament, there is a focus on the importance of marriage and family. For instance, in Genesis 2:24, it is stated, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” This verse emphasizes the significance of leaving one’s family and joining together with a spouse in marriage. However, the Old Testament does not explicitly mention cohabitation.
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ teaches about marriage and relationships. In Matthew 19:5-6, He says, “And there came unto him Pharisees, and tempting him, said unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.” This passage underscores the sanctity of marriage and the importance of fidelity within a marriage relationship.
While the New Testament does not directly address cohabitation, it does emphasize the importance of commitment and fidelity in relationships. Many Christians argue that living together before marriage is a form of premarital sex, which is considered a sin in the Bible. In 1 Corinthians 6:18, the apostle Paul writes, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” This verse suggests that engaging in premarital sex, which can be a part of cohabitation, is a sin.
However, some Christians interpret the Bible differently, arguing that cohabitation itself is not explicitly forbidden. They point to passages such as 1 Corinthians 7:2-4, which says, “Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and again, let the wife render unto the husband due benevolence. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.” This passage suggests that God expects both partners to be faithful and committed within their relationship, regardless of whether they are married or cohabiting.
In conclusion, what God says about living together is not explicitly stated in the Bible. However, many Christians argue that the teachings of the New Testament emphasize the importance of commitment, fidelity, and marriage. While some may interpret the Bible as forbidding cohabitation, others believe that it is the actions within the relationship, such as premarital sex, that are considered sinful. Ultimately, the decision to live together before marriage is a personal one, and individuals must seek guidance from their faith, as well as from their own conscience, to make the best decision for their lives.
