Today, I want to address a topic that can often be delicate, a topic that engenders a wide range of reactions from dismissal to shame, from indifference to guilt - the topic of fornication. As we delve into this, I want you to approach it with an open heart and mind, knowing that God's love for us is so immense that He is interested in every single aspect of our lives, including our sexual behaviour.
In the Holy Scriptures, more specifically in 1 Corinthians
6:18, it is written, "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a
person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against
their own body." The Apostle Paul, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, is
reminding us that sexual immorality, including fornication, carries
consequences that are unique and severe.
Fornication, which in this context refers to consensual
sexual intercourse between persons not married to each other, is not just a sin
against God, it is also a sin against our own bodies – God’s temple. It bears
consequences that extend beyond the immediate act; these consequences can span
through our lifetime and even beyond.
First, fornication leads to emotional and psychological
damages. Many who engage in it often combat feelings of guilt, shame, and
regret. These emotional scars can affect our self-worth, stunt our spiritual
growth and even seep into future relationships, causing distrust and
insecurities. Never mind that it can not just affect ourselves but also lead to these feelings in the other party.
From a physical standpoint, fornication increases our risk
of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies – issues
that can cause lifelong complications. But even more seriously, the act of
fornication plants seeds of discord in our spiritual walk with God.
Beloved, our God is a God of love, compassion and mercy. He
does not warn us against fornication to limit our freedom or deprive us of
pleasure but because He knows the pain and suffering it can cause us. He seeks
to protect us from the destructive consequences that this act can have on our
lives.
Let us not be deceived, brethren, into thinking that grace
grants us the liberty to live in sin. Grace is not a license for
lasciviousness. As written in Romans 6:1-2, "What shall we say then?
Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who
died to sin live any longer in it?"
This message is not intended to condemn, but rather to
encourage. If you are entangled in the web of fornication, there is hope,
forgiveness, and freedom in Jesus Christ. Our God is a God of second chances,
He is ever ready to forgive, cleanse, and restore us to a right relationship
with Him.
I implore you to seek God's face in prayers, ask for His forgiveness, strength and grace to overcome this sin. If you need help, do not hesitate to reach out to us, the church community, as we stand ready to provide support, guidance, and counsel. May the grace and mercy of God abound towards us, guiding us to honour Him in our bodies, which are His. Amen.