Dear Pastor,

I am a 21-year-old Jamaican living in Canada and I am very grateful for this opportunity. The problem I am having is that I was baptised two years ago and never walked the path truly.

Since I have been in Canada, it seems easier because I am fairly new with not many friends. During the winter, I had nothing to do so that gave me time to consider the decision I made to be baptised.

Christian lifestyle

I met some Christian friends and they are showing me how to have good fun and live the Christian lifestyle and I love it.

My mother is married and her husband's brother asked my mom to ask me if I would marry a family member of his so she could come here. So, basically he is asking me to do a business marriage. I said yes, at first, even though I had doubts.

Wanted a break

I thought it would be the right thing to do to thank them for helping my mom and I. I didn't really like it here and I wanted a break by going back to Jamaica, so I said yes.

They have made the arrange-ments, but I have been thinking long and hard about it. I have doubts and even prayed about it and I have decided not to do it.

Pastor, I need your help. Should I do a business wedding, as a Christian who is trying to do what God says is right? Is it wrong to marry a person for other reasons than what marriage was made for? Is it the right decision, even though I have led the people to believe in me and make arrangements? Is it fair to back out at the last minute? What should I really do, pastor? If the Bible says it is wrong, I will not do it.

A., Canada

Dear A.,

I cannot encourage you to do a business marriage. It is wrong. As a Christian, you shouldn't have anything to do with that. Tell your folks that you cannot assist anybody by doing a business marriage.

Pastor