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Paul's command goes against everything culture tells us on TV, in magazines, over the radio, and in the classroom: Don't even hint at immoral things, let alone practice them (5:3, 4). For single Christian people that's a tall order—especially given the tremendous pressure to be sexually promiscuous. That's not to suggest you shouldn't spend time with married people of the opposite sex, you'd have to leave the planet if that were the case! But you're not to follow the example of people in television sitcoms and fashion magazines who intentionally say suggestive things or wear provocative clothing to attract the attention of the opposite sex. Such behavior is not the way of love Christ has shown you.

How do you treat your friend's spouse? A good test is to ask yourself if you treat him the way you'd want other people of the opposite sex to treat your spouse, if you were married. In today's world, most people think it's no dig deal if you send a few mixed messages or even if you're unfaithful. But the Bible says that everything you do matters to God—he wants you to reflect his standards in the way you conduct all your relationships.

A good thing to remember is that, even though you are single, you are married—to Christ! He has shown you a love so pure and true (5:1, 2) that the experience of it should leave you wanting to please him in all areas of your life. (See also Romans 15:1-6; 1 John 4:7-12.)

Be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love … But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you. Ephesians 5:1-3

Do you treat your friend's spouse the way you'd want your spouse treated?

Copyright 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.

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