Time together with the one you love...

[Madeline]

How much time should you spend with somone prior to your marriage? A friend of mine spends approximately (3-4 days, 20-35 hrs) a week doing church activites (Bible studies, choir, and personal studies) together. They plan on getting married within a year or two after they get settled and have financial security and stability. They have however slipped in the past (had sex) but promise not to engage in any sort of sexual activity until marriage. Should they continue to see each other this often? and how often should they see each other as to avoid any sort of conflict that would go against God's will?

Love,
Madeline

[Bakershalfdozen]

The only way to avoid temptation is be chaperoned at all times. If the activities together are spent at church functions, then that should help.

Also, long engagements are not wise as sexual temptation is always present with someone you love. As long as they know they are God's will for each other and if it is doable, a couple should go ahead and get married. It is better to marry than to burn...

[pneu-engine]

:thumb

[Anon]

If marriage (and then childbearing) depended on being perfectly settled and financially secure....well, I'd still be single and childless, as would a huge percentage of the rest of the country!

[HappyChristian]

The only was to avoid temptation is be chaperoned at all times. If the activities together are spent at church functions, then that should help.

Also, long engagements are not wise as sexual temptation is always present with someone you love. As long as they know they are God's will for each other and if it is doable, a couple should go ahead and get married. It is better to marry than to burn...

[heartstrings]

I'll second that.

[John81]

I'll second that.

I'll third that! :smile

This couple should avoid non-public alone time and if they are certain marriage is in God's will they should marry sooner rather than later.

As Suzy said, if people really wait until everything is set right then they would never get married and never have children. Trust God for He has promised to always provide for all our needs.