One thing comes to mind here, (scrounges around for more cents to add)...., I do not think this is a requirement here that all virgins should marry virgins only, or non-virgins marry non-virgins. Both sides of this issue should realize that forcing someone to fall in line with what you believe on this issue is judgemental, and not scriptural. Yes there is forgiveness and we can each live in forgiveness, both from our God and Savior Jesus as well as from our spouses. That being said. People that deterime a preference are not wrong for determining a preference, a standard to follow, We have to draw our lines somewhere. Just your lines may be different than others. Some choose these preferences based on what they believe, from out of the bible (to be a believer is a good standard so that you will be more equally yoked (for if they were from a different religion or no religion they may drag you away from your faith or hinder your growth, It is possible they may come to know the Lord and savior themselves but not guaranteed. Paul instructed those who became believers to remain with their lost spouses in hopes they may be saved but did not instruct them to marry non-believers). Some determine their prefence or standard from how they were raised, Sometimes this includes political ties and viewpoints, sometimes even over who their favorite football team is. Because they do this or do not do this does not make them a bad person, requiring someone else to do this or not do this may be bad.
What God does for one person is not necessarily a requirement in relationships to everyone. God required Hosea to marry a prostitute(wheter she was before or during the marriage I will let you go by the Spirits Guidance.) so should we all go and marry prostitutes? Like also Jacob married Leah and Rachel. Should we also go and marry 2 or more people? I again say that each side of the issue go before the Lord and determine in their own heart their personal submission to God's will for their own lives. I commend those who stand by their principles (on both sides) and do it for God and His glory. If you are doing it for your own desires and Love is not in it... then it will fail.. but with Love, remeber that Love never fails.
I heard a message on way fm last night about preparing for weddings. Most people spend more time on preparing for the wedding than preparing for the marriage. One comment that stuck with me from this was that Am I willing to wait for God's best for me? I could accept that which I got today or I could wait for something better. The illustration that was used involved a young boy who was told by his father that he would give the boy either a dime today or a dollar bill next week. So the boy had to decide if he would buy a bag of chips or later buy a ball. the chips would last him a short time the ball would last him longer (especially if taken care). Analogies often have a point where they break down but this one spoke volumes. Personally because I was engaged once already. I did not listen to the counsel from godly people in my life. I only listened to what I wanted to hear. I was not a virgin she was. Other issues came into the picture about a month or two from our wedding day. She started smoking. I personally did not care for smoking and this was something that she did not do the whole time we dated and were engaged up to that point she did. As a minister, I felt it would hinder the ministry God had called me too. She felt I should accept her for who she was. What would you do on this issue? This is of course a continual habit versus a previous decision that you are no longer engaging. Someone's past is their past. I did have a preference. I wanted someone who was healthy consicous. I had other preferences I looked for but was almost to the point of backing away from that preference because I cared for that person. Other issues besides this arose, and the engagement ended. I learned something from it, grew because of it. But I am thankful I did not get married to her because I beleive that It would have been devisive, and perhaps even leading to divorce (which would make it very difficult to minister, notice I did not say impossible).
I may be rambling here now. So to suffice it to say. Do not knock someone who has preferences or someone who does not (I think we all have preferences somewhere). Do not think that you can change someone, because only God can really do this. Seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness. Pray, and go as the Spirit guides you.
I think I am getting more and more change every day. I may have a dollar before too long.
