What Do You Think About Falling in Love Over the Internet?

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By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services



Q: What do you think about falling in love over the Internet? I've
gotten very involved with a man through a chat room I'm on, and he
says he thinks he loves me, and I think I love him. Now he wants me to
come visit him (he's in another part of the country), but my parents
are saying no. - J.W.




A: Elsewhere in your letter, you admit that this person hasn't
revealed very much about himself or his background, even when you've
asked him - and that alone should be a big red flag, warning you to
back away.




In other words, my advice would be to end this relationship now -
clearly and decisively - and not let it go any further. The risks and
dangers are simply too great. Your parents are wise to be concerned;
they love you, and they don't want you to be misled or hurt. I know
you may not agree with them right now, but later on you'll be grateful
for their wisdom. The Bible says, "He who listens to a life-giving
rebuke will be at home among the wise" (Proverbs 15:31).




The most important advice I can give you, however, is to commit your
life to Jesus Christ and trust your future into His hands. He loves
you and knows what is best for you (even more than your parents do),
and He can be trusted to guide you. He knows your needs, and you can
trust Him to lead you into relationships that are both healthy and
honoring to God.




The Internet has changed our world - often for good, but sometimes for
evil. The problem isn't the technology, however; the problem is the
human heart, and the fact that evil men can use the Internet to
exploit others. Don't let this happen to you.

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