I came across the following post and thought it would be beneficial to share. This man has some relationship questions which I have heard many times so I have posted his situation as well as practical biblical advice which is applicable to his situation.

“I’m twenty two, never been in a relationship; never even kissed a girl! I always waited for that one girl. So, I met that girl about two and a half years ago. The first moment we met she took my breath away, but I waited to make sure that I liked her for her and not because of first impressions. I waited two years. During those two years she made some mistakes and I thought that we will never happen after that and tried to get her off my mind. But every time she is around it’s like the first time all over and I become speechless! So I finally told her that I have liked her for two years, and well I guess she has had a thing for me for a few months too. I’m not the type of person who starts a relationship or even kiss a girl if I was not sure that it will be long term (leading to marriage) so we have been discussing things before we get too attached. The major thing standing in the way especially with her parents is me being Catholic and they are Protestants! Anyone been in a similar situation? Any couples with different denominations?”

This man is in a good place to be. He has kept himself holy as he has been commanded. The first advice is to forgive the girl for anything she has done. “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matt 6:15). It’s not a sin directly against him, but it can become so, if they become wed, if the actions taken were in any way adulterous. Adultery is defined as any provision reserved for marriage which is performed outside the bonds of marriage, so even if actions were taken when no commitment had been made to another, it is no less adultery. The second piece of advice is to not become involved in adultery. “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). Refrain from actions which have been reserved for marriage until you are married.

It is good to know where one stands in a relationship on the level of commitment. The fear is to scare the other off by suggesting marriage, but the intention for the relationship must be shared by both parties or the relationship will likely fail. The reality is that for either a Catholic or Protestant, the only intent in a relationship should be marriage otherwise there is some other purpose which is being sought out, likely a sinful, selfish desire.

Certainly denomination can be a stumbling block in a relationship. If the parents have a denominational issue, that is common. The truth is that there is only one denomination which is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Anything else is tradition. Christ said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Anything but Christ which is observed as part of faith is tradition. Observe Christ and his teachings and you are on the right track. If there is tradition, as long as it is not sin, it is acceptable. See Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 3, 4 and 8 for more understanding on the matters of tradition.