Guidance for Unmarried Couples Travelling Together
Introduction
As society's perspectives on autonomy and sexual mores evolve, it becomes increasingly crucial for Christians to uphold biblical truths as well as bear witness to unbelievers. With the ease and popularity of travelling, the common practice of unmarried couples of different gender going overseas together raises important questions for believers seeking to maintain their Christian sexual purity and distinctiveness in the world.
As followers of Christ, we must seek to be relevant to the world while also being faithful to the authority of God’s word. Our highest desire should not be to maximise our personal autonomy or to go with the cultural flow, but to obey God’s word both in letter and in spirit, so as to honour him and preserve the reputation of his church.
Travelling as an unmarried couple is not by itself sinful. However, it is highly likely to involve circumstances that are potentially detrimental to the couple as well as the Body of Christ. This calls for the responsible exercise of freedom both for their own good and the good of others.
This paper summarises the key biblical considerations that are relevant to this issue and provides practical guidelines for couples. Needless to say, rules will never stop people from doing what they wilfully or even deceitfully choose to do. However, this paper is not directed at such persons, but rather to aid couples who sincerely wish to conduct their relationship in a God-honouring and responsible manner