Is it okay for my boyfriend and I to live together in order to save money?
My question to you is simply this: Do you really think that your need to save money is beyond God’s scope of understanding? When He wrote His Word and set His precepts as our standards, do you think that He just didn’t know how it would be for you? None of us are exempt from God’s moral standards.
That being said, there are many reasons why living with your boyfriend is a bad idea. First of all, it cheapens your wedding day. Secondly, studies show that couples who live together before marriage are far more likely to divorce than those who do not. Finally, and most importantly, living together before marriage directly opposes against God’s plan for the marriage covenant. "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral"
(Heb. 13:4).
"And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks" (Ephesians 5:2-4).
Note what the Apostle Paul says in regard to sexual immorality. When a couple comes together outside of marriage, it is considered immoral in God's eyes. For this reason, the Apostle Paul admonishes the reader to live in such a manner that is pleasing to God. Therefore, "there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality" amongst those who have Jesus in their hearts.
If you are living together already, pray that the Lord will give you the strength to do what is right no matter the consequences. You need to remove yourself from the situation you are in. Then, seek counseling for yourself and your boyfriend. Pray that the Lord will restore your relationship in His eyes so that you can come together in purity on your wedding day.
