file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db941018.txt
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OUR DAILY BREAD                   Tuesday, October 18, 1994
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READ: 1 Corinthians 6:18-7:9


                       "PURE LOVE"

           If they cannot exercise self-control,
                     let them marry.

                 -  1 Corinthians 7:9


A situation that once was viewed by most people as unaccept-
able and immoral has become commonplace. According to the
National & International Religion Report, before the majori-
ty of American marriages take place, the man and woman have
already been living together.

The report goes on to point out that this practice has de-
vastating effects. "Marriages that are preceded by living
together have 50 percent higher disruption (divorce or
separation) rates than marriages without premarital cohabi-
tation."

Even among Christians there is no shortage of those who
think they can violate God's moral standards.

The temptations were similar in the first century. That's
why Paul had to make it clear to the believers at Corinth
that they had no business being involved in sexual immorali-
ty. He said that if they found their passions becoming so
strong that they could not control their sexual desires,
there was an answer. It was not found in an immoral rela-
tionship; it was found in marriage.

In a day when immorality continues to devour people, let's
do all we can to promote the joys and privileges of love
that is honoring to God - the love that is shared in mar-
riage. There is no substitute for pure love.

Author: - J. David Branon

        Those who feed their passion
        Outside God's holy plan
        Forsake the loving pattern
        He has designed for man.
                              
        - K. DeHaan


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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Saving yourself for marriage
  will help to save your marriage.


The Bible in One Year: Matthew 12-15

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