Marriage is a holy sacrament, and Christians view it as a connection between two people made in the eyes of God. With that in mind, some may wonder if kissing before marriage is sinful for Christians. To answer this question, we must look at the Bible and modern Christian teachings.
The Bible does not specifically address the issue of kissing before marriage. In fact, it is largely silent on physical acts of affection. There are some general principles that can help to guide Christian couples towards a more Godly approach to physical intimacy before marriage.
The primary Bible passage that Christians turn to for guidance on physical intimacy is 1 Corinthians 6:18-20. This passage states: “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of treating our bodies with respect, which applies to all forms of physical intimacy. Kissing, while not a sexual act, is an intimate act that should be treated with respect. This means that it should be done with discernment and in a way that honors and respects the one doing it and the one receiving it.
The kiss should be a sign of commitment, not just physical pleasure. Generally, when it comes to physical intimacy, there should be a deeper connection in place. Kissing for just pleasure, without any deeper commitment and respect, can be seen as a form of objectification, which goes against the teachings of the Bible.
Modern Christian teachings echo many of the same ideas. Generally, physical intimacy before marriage should be a sign of a deeper commitment between the two partners. It should not be seen as a form of recreation or pleasure, and should be reserved for marriage.
In this context, kissing before marriage can be seen as an act of physical intimacy in the wrong context. While not a sexual act, it should be done with discernment and respect. In other words, it tends to be seen as a sin.
Risks Involved
Kissing before marriage also entails risks, regardless of whether or not it is seen as a sin. For one thing, it can be difficult for young Christian couples to keep the physical boundaries once they have crossed them. There is a chance of things getting out of hand, and couples can find themselves in a situation that they did not anticipate due to lack of foresight.
It is also important to note that physical intimacy can potentially lead to unprotected sexual activity. While it is possible to keep physical boundaries in check, there is no guarantee that a couple will be able to do this. This could potentially lead to unintended consequences such as an unwanted pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection.
How to Address the Issue
If couples are considering kissing before marriage, then it is important to discuss it openly and honestly. This should be done in the presence of a spiritual mentor who can provide guidance and insight into the situation. Such a mentor can help the couple make decisions that will honor God and set them up for success.
When discussing the issue, the couple should also consider their own convictions about physical intimacy. This might include their own personal principles, their beliefs about physical intimacy, and their level of commitment toward each other. All of these factors should be taken into consideration when making a decision.
The Impact of Pressure
Lastly, it is important to consider the role of peer pressure and societal norms in making decisions about physical intimacy. It is easy to get caught up in what others are doing or saying, and couples should be aware of the potential of their decisions to be swayed by external sources.
At the same time, Christian couples should be aware of the fact that they are not the only ones making decisions about physical intimacy. Just because others are making different choices does not mean that those choices are right for them. They should be aware of their own convictions and stay true to them, no matter what others might say.
The Power of Forgiveness
Lastly, it is important to remember that God is a loving and forgiving God. He understands that we are human and that we make mistakes. If a couple does find themselves in a situation where someone has crossed physical boundaries, then the power of forgiveness is available. This is a reminder that God still loves us, even when we make mistakes.
What Does The Bible Say?
In the end, while the Bible does not explicitly address the issue of kissing before marriage, it does provide guidance on how physical intimacy should be approached. As 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 states, physical intimacy should be treated with respect and reverence, and it should be done with a deeper commitment in mind. As such, it is seen as a sin for Christians to kiss before marriage.
The Role of Discernment
It is also important to remember the role of discernment in all decisions about physical intimacy. Even though some may view kissing before marriage as a sin, discernment dictates that it be approached with respect, honor, and deeper commitment in mind. This means that it should only be done if it is mutually agreed upon, and if all parties involved have the same level of commitment.
Heeding Advice
Lastly, if a Christian couple is considering the issue of kissing before marriage, then it is important to heed the advice of spiritual mentors. While it is ultimately up to the couple to make their own decisions, spiritual mentors can offer valuable insight, wisdom, and perspective that can help a couple make wise decisions.
