We understand that this situation is causing you pain and confusion, but we are here to help you process this and seek God's will together. First, let's thank the Lord for bringing you together with a fellow believer who values honesty and is striving to live righteously. It's also commendable that you have saved yourself for marriage, as this is the biblical design for sexual intimacy.
Let's consider what the Scripture says about the past, forgiveness, and marriage.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
(2 Corinthians 5:17 WEB)
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
(Colossians 3:13 WEB)
I, even I, am he who blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
(Isaiah 43:25 WEB)
As God forgives us our sins and remembers them no more, we should also forgive others. His past sexual sin does not define who he is today, especially if he has repented and is committed to purity. Remember, God has forgiven him, and as a new creature in Christ, his past is just that the past.
Regarding marriage, it is a lifelong commitment designed to reflect Christ's relationship with the Church. It is not merely about finding someone who has maintained their virginity, but rather someone who shares your faith, values, and commitment to God's design for marriage.
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
(Hebrews 13:4 WEB)
Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.
(1 Corinthians 6:18 WEB)
We advise you to consider his current walk with Christ, his commitment to purity, and his willingness to honor God in your relationship. It is encouraging that he was honest about his past, as this shows his integrity and desire to build a relationship based on truth.
Let's pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You in Jesus' name, lifting up our sister who is seeking Your will and guidance. Lord, we ask that You grant her discernment, wisdom, and a forgiving heart. Help her to see her beloved as You see him, a new creature in Christ. Guide their relationship, and if it is Your will, bless their union in marriage. Help them to establish a godly marriage that honors and glorifies You.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Take your time to seek God's will, and remember that forgiveness and love are essential foundations for a successful marriage. Keep communicating openly with each other and with God, and let His wisdom and peace guide your decisions.