My Precious Sister

TV shows and movies always show people who get into physical relationships before or outside marriage: affairs, living together with boyfriend/girlfriend, just spending the night together casually. Most of them seem to assume that this is normal, popular, and even the right thing to do. Some, though, also show the lasting pain that comes of such relationships without commitment. I realize that a lot of people do get into such situations, probably more than I could ever know. But if you are a girl or woman considering or already in such a relationship, I have something to say to you: Don't do it! If you're already doing it, stop! Here is my reason: If a man isn't willing to commit himself to you for life, then he doesn't deserve you. There's a reason people write beautiful songs and poetry about love. It's because God designed it as a beautiful and precious thing, to bless his people. The price he puts on it is lifelong commitment, because that is what love is worth. That's what you are worth, my sister-woman. If you give yourself to a man for any other price, then you cheapen yourself. To put it another way: There's a reason why engagement and wedding rings are made with precious stones and precious metals. You and your love are precious. You're like gold and diamonds. No one sells a diamond ring for a quarter, sister, or even for five bucks. True, gold and diamonds are often stolen. If your gifts and your virginity are stolen, that's rape, and that's not your fault. What I'm warning you against is letting someone buy you for less than you're worth. Don't sell a priceless jewel for a quarter. Don't let any jerk, or even a semi-nice guy, buy you cheap. You're worth a man's life. Just ask the Man who died for you.