Dear Pastor,

I'm 21 and I have a decision to make but I need your advice. I've been with this guy on-and-off for five years now. I love him with all my heart but he wants to marry this other girl because he wants to get his permanent visa. He says that he doesn't love her, he loves me and wants to be with me even though he is doing this.

What should I do? I really do need your fatherly advice. Keep up the good work. Until I hear from you, have a blessed day.

B., Chicago, U.S.A.

Dear B.,

Marriage is a divine institution. If people are not in love and are not committed to each other, they should not get married. What your boyfriend is about to do is a business marriage and that is wrong.

I have always wondered how such a couple could stand before a marriage officer and pledge to love and care for each other and allow the marriage officer to invoke the blessings of God upon them. And these people know that they are lying, it is just business.

Tell this young man that you cannot encourage him to do business marriage. Don't fret if he ignores what you say and goes ahead with his business. But bear in mind also that it may not be a business. He may be having a relationship with the woman but he is lying to you to keep you quiet

Pastor