QUESTION: Is it a sin for a seventeen-year-old boy to have a girl friend?

ANSWER: As long as the boy and the girl conduct themselves as Christians at all times, both in public and private places, it is not sinful. Both should understand, however, that “petting” or any other illicit activity designed to incite or satisfy unlawful lusts is wrong (Galatians 5:19-23; Philippians 4:8)! Christians are to at all times to be found “pure in heart” (Matthew 5:8)!