Does morality change with age?

August 29, 2024

Question:

I spent a lot of time looking at your answers to several sexual questions. I am fairly clear ( I think ) that intercourse is a grave sin outside of marriage. Anything that leads there is wrong.

A few months ago, I reconnected with a childhood friend. I believe God set this in motion. We are both 70, and both lost our spouses; he was married once before, and she is still alive. We have had some passionate kissing and a little touching. I am clear that I don’t want to sin. He wants to respect me but is not as strong, perhaps, in his faith. I can’t find a rule book spelling it out. There would be no children, but there is a strong love and potential for unity. I never even considered another marriage and have been celibate for over 30 years. He has aroused me, and for that, I’m surprised or even shocked. I was also petrified that I should be aroused.

Are there rules that are different due to age? I’m not against marriage, but I am so set in my ways that it might not be good to be married.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

Answer:

Right and wrong don't change with age. “A gray head is a crown of glory; it is found in the way of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31). There is glory in becoming old, but it is conditional. The elderly have to be living righteously. Old sinners are not respectable people.

"But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints" (Ephesians 5:3).

As you noted, fornication (sex outside of marriage) is wrong. It is translated here as "immorality." However, it isn't the only thing sinful. Impurity or uncleanness is also sinful. This word covers all the acts that lead up to fornication, such as sexual touching (I Corinthians 7:1). But Paul doesn't stop there; he also mentions greed or covetousness. This word covers the lustful desire for sex with someone who doesn't belong to you (Matthew 5:28).

You mentioned that this man is divorced. Unless he divorced his wife because she was having sex with other men, he doesn't have a right to another marriage. I suspect from his behavior that he is the one who caused his marriage to fail due to his inappropriate behavior.

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