When you find yourself attracted to someone you’re dating, it can be incredibly challenging to resist the temptation of physical closeness. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to honour God’s commandment to wait until marriage for physical intimacy. To protect and preserve the purity of your relationship, it is essential to establish boundaries that both of you consider safe, honourable, and respectable.

“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NIV)

One way to maintain purity is to establish clear boundaries. For example, you may decide together that until marriage, you will avoid any form of kissing. By setting this boundary, you create a framework that helps you both resist the temptation to cross into the intimate physical territory of having sex.

It is also important to be mindful of seemingly innocent activities that may lead to impure thoughts or actions. Avoid situations that might blur the lines of purity, such as sitting on each other’s lap or engaging in massages that can easily escalate into sensual touch. By remaining aware of these potential pitfalls, you can protect the integrity of your relationship and keep your focus on honouring God in your actions.

“But among you, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.” – Ephesians 5:3 (NIV)

Remember, practicing abstinence and maintaining purity before marriage is not meant to restrict or deprive you of joy but rather to honour God’s plan for love and intimacy. It is a demonstration of your commitment to God’s principles and your desire to build a strong foundation for a lasting and God-honoring marriage.

By prioritizing purity, setting boundaries, and remaining mindful of activities that can lead to temptation, you create an environment that fosters respect, trust, and emotional connection. Ultimately, by following God’s guidance and committing to purity, you lay the groundwork for a marriage that is built on a solid foundation of trust, honour, and obedience to His Word.