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When our daughter ran cross-country in high school and track in college, she would always check out the course before the race. A test run is a wise thing to do before lining up against the other competitors. But…a test run for marriage. We need to think that through.

My purpose in this week’s devos is to show why living together before marriage is not a part of God’s design. I pray that you will use this information to make godly decisions and give godly counsel. Check this out from the Song of Solomon.

Song of Solomon 5:16
His mouth is most sweet, and he is altogether desirable. This is my beloved and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.

On Monday, we considered some reasons why couples choose to live together, and yesterday we looked at statistics proving that living together doesn’t set marriages up for success. So today, let’s begin to consider three components that must be part of the “Biblical Love Package.” Here’s the first one:

FRIENDSHIP: Spirit Love

The Hebrew word rea expresses the first part of the Biblical Love Package. Rea is most often translated as “friendship” (the love of the spirit). In one study, couples were asked to rank a list of possible goals for their marriage. The single most important goal was to have a friend in one’s partner. In another study, FamilyLife purposed to determine why singles wanted to get married. 84% described friendship as the primary reason. A true “friend loves at all times” (Prov. 17:17).

When you have a real friend in your spouse, you have a loyal companion, a person who will stick with you for better or worse….

Tomorrow we will discover the second part of the Biblical Love Package—Heart Love: Commitment.

Father, forgive us for exchanging your design for our desires. Help us follow your instructions for marriage. In Jesus’ name. Amen.