Title: Is a Platonic Affair Permitted in Christian Doctrine?

-

Scripture Foundation
- “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” — 1 Corinthians 15:33  
- “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” — Proverbs 4:23  
- “Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.” — 1 Timothy 5:1–2  

Reflection: In today’s world, the term platonic affair often describes a close, affectionate relationship between two people without romantic or sexual involvement. While friendship is a gift from God, Scripture calls us to examine the motives and boundaries of every relationship.  
  The Bible celebrates pure companionship. David and Jonathan’s friendship is a shining example: “Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself” (1 Samuel 18:1). Their bond was rooted in loyalty, covenant, and godly love—not in secrecy or compromise.  
  However, the word affair carries undertones of secrecy, emotional entanglement, and misplaced intimacy. Even if physical sin is absent, an affair—platonic or otherwise—can lead to emotional dependency that distracts from devotion to God and dishonors commitments in marriage or family. Jesus reminds us that sin begins in the heart (Matthew 5:28). What starts as “innocent” can easily drift into temptation if not guarded by purity and truth.  
Lessons for Today
- Friendship is holy when rooted in Christ. Like Ruth and Naomi, godly companionship strengthens faith and uplifts the soul.  
- Affairs, even platonic, can blur boundaries. They often thrive in secrecy, which contradicts the transparency God calls us to live in (John 3:20–21).  
- Guard your heart. Emotional intimacy reserved for marriage should not be misplaced. Friendships must be nurtured with purity, respect, and accountability.  
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the gift of friendship. Teach me to walk in purity and truth, to honor You in every relationship. Help me discern between godly companionship and entanglements that lead astray. May my heart be guarded, my motives pure, and my love reflect Christ’s holiness. Amen.  
Takeaway: In Christian doctrine, friendships are encouraged and celebrated, but platonic affairs—because of their secrecy and potential to compromise purity—are not permitted. Instead, believers are called to cultivate transparent, Christ-centered relationships that build faith and honor God.  

This is the answer to a question I have been asked severally. May God teach us to live right. Amen.

©Dr Joel Olanrewaju, share your thoughts here. Your questions are welcomed. Please share this with your contacts especially young adults. gbemide09@gmail.com 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Title: Trusting in God.

-
Are you trusting God for something or are you in a situation where you have tried and not getting it? Then put your trust in God, follow the steps in the picture below.  May God answer your prayers in Jesus' name, Amen. 
Read more

Title: When your time shall be over, you'll fly away.

-
Psalms 90:10  The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Devotional: Late music legend – Peter Tosh sang a song with this title many years ago. It came to mind yesterday while I listened to a beautifully delivered sermon at a burial. I therefore penned this devotional on same title. Do not be deceived, at a point in your life you’ll fly away.   There comes a day when the tapestry of your earthly existence is folded. The moments of struggle, joy, triumph, and trials will all coalesce into a story complete. When that time comes, the soul, unburdened by the weight of the mortal frame, ascends beyond the veil of this world—taking flight toward eternal rest.   You are not bound to the temporal; your essence is celestial. As the Psalmist declared, "The days of our years are threescore years and ten...it is soon cut off, and we ...
Read more

Title: Divine Acceleration.

-
Genesis 41:40-41  Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. Devotion: Have you ever felt like your dreams are taking too long to come true? Like you're walking a slow path while others seem to be racing ahead? Take heart—God is a God of acceleration! When He steps in, He can take you from waiting to walking in His promises in an instant.   Consider the story of Joseph. Sold into slavery by his own brothers, imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit—it seemed like his dreams were slipping further away. But when God's appointed time arrived, Joseph was promoted from the prison to the palace in a single day! (Genesis 41:14-41). Years of waiting, hardship, and ...
Read more