The Sunday Mail (Zimbabwe)

The greatest love story

GREETINGS in Jesus’ name. I pray I find you well.

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FEBRUARY is the month of love and as we continue to talk about the dangers of young people indulging in sex, I began to think about the author of love, who is God Himself.

It is amazing the love that He has shown us, how He willingly sent His Son Jesus, who willingly died for us.

He then willingly welcomed us into the family of God.

God then gave us His Holy Spirit who dwells with and in us.

God is the perfect example of true love, He is the perfect Father, the perfect friend, the perfect everything.

Galatians 5:22-23 gives us the attributes of this love: “. . . the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:..”

So does 1 Corinthian­s 13, John 3:6 and the entire epistle of 1 John.

In fact many Scriptures reveal to us how much God loves us. I want to encourage you to embrace the love of God and walk in it in obedience to His Word.

Endeavour to manifest the love of God in all you do and to all manner of people. As you do so you will begin to fulfil your purpose on this Earth.

Let me hasten to say that no one is immune to sexual temptation however the scripture says in 1 Corithinan­s 10:13, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

My friend, do all that is in your power to escape sexual sin. Joseph, in the book of Genesis, ran away from Potipher’s wife.

My sister, sleeping with that man or performing sexual acts does not mean that you love him or he loves you.

Rather, you are pronouncin­g a curse on yourself.

My brother, sleeping with a woman does not prove that you are a man, actually the reverse is true.

A real man knows the true value of a woman and understand­s that his destiny and value system are linked. A real man is principled with deep conviction­s that guide his behaviour and decision making. There is no benefit to sleeping with someone outside of marriage.

Let me give you a few risks associated with fornicatio­n:

1. The risk of death (HIV, STI’s). (1Corithian­s 6:18 and 10:8)

2. The risk of lost relationsh­ips. When you choose to develop a sexual relationsh­ip with someone, you have immediatel­y changed the entire definition of the relationsh­ip.

God’s intent was for a man and woman to enjoy sex throughout the course of a lifetime.

There is no such thing as casual sex.

Once you have developed a sexual relationsh­ip, that relationsh­ip turns a critical corner. After the relationsh­ip ends, you and your partner will experience the guilt and pain of promises broken.

3. Risks of incurable disease. Some may even fail to bear children after they are married.

4. The risk of permanentl­y damaging your testimony as a Christian. (Romans 13:13, Ephesians 5:3)

5. The risk of depression. Those who participat­e in premarital sex experience emotional damage that may lead to an increased chance of mental depression and emotional despair. (2 Corinthian­s 12:21 and Jude: 7)

6. The risk of sexual dysfunctio­n, (1Corinthia­ns 6:18).

7. The risk of placing your future children in the way of spiritual harm.

The Bible clearly speaks of the concept of generation­al sin. Remain pure before God and you will be tenaciousl­y guarding the future of the next generation. (Proverbs 22:8)

8. The risk of shame. (1 Corinthian­s 5:1-2)

9. The risk of damaging the destiny of your future marriage. There is no way that premarital sex of any kind could be a plus for your future marriage.

It only causes suspicion, mistrust, and regret. (Galatians 5:19, Hebrews 13:4)

10. Disobeying God and giving Satan a foothold.

 ??  ?? Pastor Tinashe Zinyemba The Christian Youth
Pastor Tinashe Zinyemba The Christian Youth

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