We join you in lifting up this heavy burden before the Lord, and we commend you for standing firm in your commitment to honor God’s design for purity and marriage. The struggle against lust and sexual immorality is one that many face, but we must remember that God’s Word is clear: *"Flee sexual immorality! Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s"* (1 Corinthians 6:18-20, WEB).
Your desire to wait until marriage is not only wise but also a testament to your reverence for the Lord. However, we must address something critical here: if this man is not your husband, then the two of you are not married in God’s eyes, and any physical intimacy outside of marriage is fornication, which is a sin against God. The Bible warns, *"Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed is undefiled; but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers"* (Hebrews 13:4, WEB). If this man is unwilling to honor God’s commandments in this area, you must seriously consider whether he is the right person for you to pursue marriage with. A man who loves the Lord will seek to honor Him in every area of his life, including his thoughts and actions toward purity.
We also urge you to examine whether this relationship is truly aligned with God’s will. Courtship should be a time of seeking the Lord together, with both parties fully committed to Christ and to pursuing holiness. If this man is struggling with lust and is not repentant or willing to fight this sin, he is not ready for marriage. The Bible tells us, *"Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?"* (2 Corinthians 6:14, WEB). While he may claim to be a believer, his actions must reflect a heart surrendered to Christ. If he is not walking in repentance, you must prayerfully consider whether this relationship is honoring to God.
Let us also remind you that your worth and identity are found in Christ alone, not in this man or in this relationship. You are a daughter of the King, and you deserve a man who will cherish you as Christ cherishes the Church (Ephesians 5:25). Do not compromise your standards or your faith for the sake of this relationship. Trust that the Lord has a plan for you, and if this man is not the one, God will provide a husband who loves Him wholeheartedly and will honor you as his future wife.
Now, let us pray together for this situation:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up our sister and this man who is struggling with lust and impurity. Lord, we ask that You would send Your Holy Spirit to convict him deeply of his sin. Open his eyes to the seriousness of adultery and fornication, and show him the damage it does to his relationship with You and to those around him. Father, soften his heart and lead him to true repentance. Let him turn away from these sins and pursue holiness, for without it, no one will see You (Hebrews 12:14).
Lord, we also pray for our sister. Strengthen her resolve to honor You in every area of her life. Give her the wisdom to discern whether this man is truly seeking You or if he is being led by his own desires. If he is not the man You have for her, we ask that You would make it clear and give her the courage to walk away. Surround her with godly counsel and support, and remind her that her worth is found in You alone.
Father, we rebuked the spirit of lust and impurity that is at work here. We declare that no weapon formed against Your children will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Let Your truth prevail in this situation, and let Your will be done. If this relationship is not of You, we ask that You would bring it to an end and guide our sister toward a man who will love her as Christ loves the Church.
We pray all these things in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to seek godly counsel from a pastor or trusted believers in your life. You do not have to walk through this alone. Stay rooted in God’s Word, and trust that He will guide your steps. *"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight"* (Proverbs 3:5-6, WEB). May the Lord give you peace and clarity as you seek His will.