Dear Pastor,

I am a 26-year-old Christian. I live with my brother and his girlfriend. My boyfriend sleeps over once a week. He is also a Christian. We sleep on the same bed, but we don't have sex, cuddle or do anything to tempt each other. I want to honour God in everything, including our relationship. However, I wonder if sleeping over is Christ-like in that there might be the appearance of sin to my brother, his girlfriend and whoever else might be seeing. What do you think? Is it okay to sleep together in the same bed? Thanks in advance. May God continue to bless you.

Christian

Dear Christian,

I believe you mean well, but I also believe that if you continue to share bed with your boyfriend, it might not be long before he cuddles and both of you yield to temptation and toy with each other's body and eventually have sex. You don't drive a car to the very end of the cliff to show how skilful a driver you are. You keep as far away as possible from the cliff because if you don't, you may just go over and not only damage the car, but kill yourself. I don't believe that you can convince your brother and his girlfriend that this man and you are not having sex. But apart from that, sleeping together in the same bed is not a good testimony. So, when your boyfriend comes to visit you, do not encourage him to stay over, let him go home before it gets too late. I wish you well.

Pastor