Over the next couple of years, Rita grew bitter about her situation. She had gone from being a stay-at-home mom with a comfortable life to a working, single mom of two teenage daughters. One day Rita announced that she had met a man. She and Paul had been dating for a few months, and he was going to move in with her and the girls. “Rita . . .” I began.

“Please, don’t lecture me. I deserve some happiness after all I’ve been through. Besides, we’re not living in the fifties anymore. People just take it for granted that couples are going to live together. It’s not a big deal.”

I continue to pray for Rita and the girls. I’m asking God to change her heart and let her know He has a better plan for her. Although she’s right in saying it’s become more common over the last few decades for unmarried couples to live together, this hasn’t changed God’s opinion on the subject. Even secular research has cited the harmful effects of cohabitation.

According to a study by Rutgers University, living together before marriage increases the risk of breaking up after marriage. It increases the risk of domestic violence for women and the risk of physical and sexual abuse for children. Unmarried couples have lower levels of happiness and well-being than married couples. Pray for people you know who have chosen to live together.