“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.” – Ephesians 5:3
Bible Verses About Living Together Not Married
God’s Design for Relationships
When we reflect on God’s design for relationships, we see that He has a specific plan for how we connect with others. It is clear that He intended for love and intimacy to be expressed within the sanctity of marriage. Living together without the commitment of marriage can lead us away from the true essence of God’s plan for unity and love. As we journey together in faith, understanding God’s design helps us appreciate the depth and sacredness of marriage. We are called to reflect on His will, making sure our relationships honor Him in every way. This understanding encourages us to value not just our partners but also the covenant that He established in the beginning.
Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24
Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” – Hebrews 13:4
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25
Malachi 2:14
“But you say, ‘Why does he not?’ Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.” – Malachi 2:14
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” – Proverbs 18:22
The Importance of Commitment
As we consider living together, we recognize the significance of commitment in our relationships. Commitment is an expression of love that reflects our sincere intentions towards one another. It’s more than just a word; it is a promise that we make not just to our partner, but also to God. When we choose to stand firm in our commitment, we embody the values of faithfulness and dedication that God urges us to embrace. Together, we should strive for relationships built on trust and honor, acknowledging that true commitment enrichens our lives and brings us closer, not just to each other, but also to God.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Colossians 3:14
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” – Colossians 3:14
Romans 13:10
“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” – Romans 13:10
Philippians 2:2
“Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” – Philippians 2:2
Respecting Boundaries
In our pursuit of love and companionship, we often face the need to respect boundaries within our relationships. It’s essential that we approach our partners with honor and respect, understanding that boundaries set a foundation of safety and trust. Living together without the commitment of marriage can blur these lines, leading to confusion and potential heartache. As we navigate these relationships, we should seek to establish clear boundaries that affirm our feelings and respect our partner’s space. Together, we can create a loving environment, grounded in mutual respect and understanding while also aligning with God’s teachings.
1 Thessalonians 4:3
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:18
1 Peter 2:17
“Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” – 1 Peter 2:17
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8
Galatians 5:13
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13
The Blessings of Marriage
As we consider the path of living together without marriage, we can reflect on the blessings that the institution of marriage brings. It is a covenant that God blesses and nurtures. In marriage, we find spiritual and emotional support, companionship, and a deeper connection with each other and God. Choosing to pursue the blessings of marriage means fostering a bond that reflects God’s love and grace. Together, we can patiently strive towards establishing this blessed union, understanding that while love is essential, commitment through marriage fosters a safe and nurturing environment for growth together.
Proverbs 19:14
“House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.” – Proverbs 19:14
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” – Matthew 19:6
Lamentations 3:22-23
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23
Song of Solomon 2:16
“My beloved is mine, and I am his; he grazes among the lilies.” – Song of Solomon 2:16
Psalm 127:3
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” – Psalm 127:3
Accountability in Relationships
Engaging in a relationship together, especially when living together, calls us to hold each other accountable to God’s standards. It is essential that we maintain a structure of encouragement, honesty, and trust. Encouraging each other in our faith journey strengthens our bond and nurtures our commitment to living in accordance with God’s will. Being accountable allows us to support one another in making choices that honor both our partner and God. Together, we can promote a healthy relationship that continually seeks to grow in faith and virtue.
James 5:16
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” – James 5:16
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Proverbs 12:15
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” – Proverbs 12:15
Colossians 3:16
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.” – Colossians 3:16
Living with Integrity
Integrity is a vital aspect of any relationship, including one where we find ourselves living together without marriage. Living with integrity means conducting ourselves with honesty, reflecting our values and beliefs in our actions. It invites us to consciously choose what is right, even when it may be challenging. Crafting a relationship based on integrity reinforces our commitment to God and to each other. As we embark on this journey, we can encourage one another to uphold integrity, modeling our actions after the teachings of Christ.
Proverbs 10:9
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” – Proverbs 10:9
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8
Titus 2:7-8
“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned.” – Titus 2:7-8
Proverbs 28:6
“Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.” – Proverbs 28:6
Matthew 7:12
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12
Final Thoughts
As we have explored the topic of living together without marriage, we can see that God’s design for relationships is rooted in love, commitment, and integrity. By honoring the institution of marriage, we allow ourselves to experience the fullness of what God intends for us. Commitment brings blessings and encourages us to cultivate relationships with accountability and respect. It is essential to establish boundaries and live with integrity, allowing our love to flourish in a way that reflects Christ’s love for us.
Together, let us embrace the importance of honoring God in our relationships, recognizing the immense value He places on commitments and partnerships. As we learn and grow, we can be supportive of one another, encouraging love and truth in all our interactions.
If you would like to read more about marriage and relationships, feel free to explore additional topics such as 1 Corinthians on Marriage and Deuteronomy on Relationships.