Once upon a time a godly girl was dating a boy who was not a faithful Christian. Their familiarity with one another increased until finally, with the young man leading the way, the girl’s will power was broken and they committed fornication (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).

The godly girl immediately realized her mistake, repented of the sin, and prayed for forgiveness (Acts 8:22). She prayed daily and agonizingly for forgiveness during the intervening months. The boy has gone his way, found another girl and is now married. The godly girl has also found a good godly boy and has fallen in love with him. But she still carries the burden in her heart.

She wonders whether she should tell her prospective husband about her indiscretion. She wonders whether he would still want to marry her. She wonders if she could bear to live with him through the years not having confided in him.

You see, even though she’s done everything to be forgiven, the stain still lingers (Psalm 51:1-3). Doesn’t this show that decent young people need to be taught about the seriousness of sin (Hebrews 3:13)?

Kyle Campbell