Home
> Christian Bible Studies
> Questions from Bible Readers
> Friendship
How can I have healthy friendships with people of the opposite sex?
Remember wrong use of sex cheats people—and God.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Sexual temptation is powerful, and being a Christian doesn't make you immune. Few Christians enter an unmarried relationship planning a sexual encounter. But all Christians can keep it from happening. You can learn how to resist. First, call on the power of almighty God. Second, recognize that everyone is vulnerable. Third, steer clear of any circumstance that would make sexual encounters possible. Take meals and business trips in trios, not duos. Refuse to meet in hotel rooms. Let any meetings be conducted in public with the door open. Fourth, back off when you sense an emotional attachment forming, even in safe settings. You can't stop initial attraction, but you can squash its growth.
Paul wrote, "No one should take advantage of and defraud his brother" in sexual matters. So refuse to cheat your brother in Christ. Learn to control yourself. Be honorable. Refuse to take advantage of your brothers. It's never God's will to become sexually involved, physically or mentally, outside of marriage. So focus on friendship and focus on work. With God's help, you can do it. (See also 1 Samuel 25; 2 Kings 4:1-7).
Good Words to Remember:
This is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immortality; … that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter. 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 6
Today's Challenge:
What safeguards do you put in your relationships with the opposite sex?
Copyright © 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
| |
|
