Waiting to Awaken Love: A Biblical Perspective on Sexual Purity

Waiting to Awaken Love: A Biblical Perspective on Sexual Purity

Love and sex are two of the most powerful forces in human life. They are gifts from God that have the potential to bring joy, intimacy, and fulfillment. Yet, they can also bring pain, heartache, and regret when they are not used in the way God intended. In a culture where sex is viewed as a casual activity, waiting to awaken love until it pleases can seem like an outdated and unnecessary concept. However, the Bible teaches that sexual purity is not only important, but it is also necessary for a healthy and satisfying relationship.

The Importance of Sexual Purity

Sexual purity is not just a matter of following rules or avoiding sin. Rather, it is a reflection of our commitment to God and our desire to honor him with our bodies. In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Paul writes, "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

As Christians, we are called to live holy and pure lives, not just in our actions, but also in our thoughts and desires. Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:27-28). Sexual purity is not just about abstaining from sexual activity, but also about guarding our hearts and minds from impure thoughts and desires.

Furthermore, sexual purity is essential for building a strong and lasting relationship. When we engage in sexual activity outside of marriage, we are not just risking physical consequences such as sexually transmitted diseases or unplanned pregnancies, but we are also risking emotional and spiritual consequences such as guilt, shame, and damaged relationships. Sex is a powerful bond that creates a deep level of intimacy between two people. When sex is used outside of the context of marriage, it can create a false sense of intimacy that is not grounded in commitment and covenant.

Waiting to Awaken Love

The Song of Solomon is a beautiful and poetic book of the Bible that celebrates the beauty and power of love. It is also a book that emphasizes the importance of waiting to awaken love until it pleases. The refrain, "Do not stir up or awaken love until it pleases," is repeated three times in the book (Song of Solomon 2:7; 3:5; 8:4), emphasizing the importance of waiting for the right time and context to express our love and desire.

Waiting to awaken love is not just about delaying gratification or avoiding sin. It is about trusting in God's timing and plan for our lives. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, Solomon writes, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." God has a perfect plan for our lives, including our relationships and our sexuality. When we trust in his plan and wait for his timing, we can experience the fullness of his blessings and avoid the pain and consequences that come from disobedience.

Waiting to awaken love also allows us to build a foundation of friendship and commitment in our relationships. When we focus on getting to know someone on a deeper level before engaging in sexual activity, we can build a foundation of trust, respect, and emotional intimacy. This foundation can help sustain our relationship through the ups and downs of life and provide a source of strength and support in times of need.

Practical Steps for Sexual Purity

Waiting to awaken love is not an easy task, especially in a culture that promotes sexual promiscuity and instant gratification. However, there are practical steps we can take to pursue sexual purity and honor God with our bodies.

1. Guard Your Heart and Mind

The battle for sexual purity begins in our thoughts and desires. Therefore, it is essential to guard our hearts and minds from impure thoughts and influences. This can include avoiding pornography, sexually explicit media, and conversations or relationships that promote sexual immorality. Instead, we should fill our minds with things that are pure, true, and honorable (Philippians 4:8).

2. Build Healthy Relationships

Healthy relationships are built on trust, respect, and communication. When we surround ourselves with people who share our values and support our pursuit of sexual purity, we are more likely to stay on track. It is also essential to have accountability partners who can provide support, encouragement, and prayer when we are struggling.

3. Pursue God's Plan for Your Life

God has a unique plan and purpose for each of our lives, including our relationships and our sexuality. When we seek his will and follow his guidance, we can experience the fullness of his blessings and avoid the consequences of disobedience. This includes waiting for the right person and the right time to express our love and desire.

4. Focus on the Positive

Pursuing sexual purity can be challenging, but it is also a positive and life-giving pursuit. Rather than focusing on what we are giving up or missing out on, we should focus on the rewards and benefits of sexual purity. This includes deeper intimacy, stronger relationships, and a closer walk with God.

Conclusion

Waiting to awaken love until it pleases is not an outdated or unnecessary concept. It is a biblical principle that reflects God's plan and purpose for our lives. Sexual purity is not just a matter of following rules or avoiding sin, but it is a reflection of our commitment to God and our desire to honor him with our bodies. By following practical steps to pursue sexual purity, we can experience the fullness of God's blessings and avoid the pain and consequences that come from disobedience.

As we navigate the complexities of relationships and sexuality in our culture, let us hold fast to the truth of God's word and the beauty of his plan for our lives. Let us wait to awaken love until it pleases and trust in his perfect timing and plan.