I enjoy reading your column because it inspires me to do better in every way. I am 16 years old and I am sexually active with a 24-year-old man. I don't see it as a problem because he is good to me and I think I love him. I am reading my Bible and understanding it more and more each day. Because of what I have gathered from the Bible, it now bothers me that I have sinned and I really wonder if God will forgive me.

Another problem that I am having is with his family. I think they hate me, especially his mother. He expressed to me that he does not care about what she has to say because she can't tell him whom to love. I need to mention also that he has a son.

Please help me, pastor. Am I doing the right thing?

M.W., St Catherine, Jamaica

Dear M.W.,

I suppose you believe that telling me that you have been having sex with your 24-year-old boyfriend would stop me in my tracks so that I wouldn't tell you whether or not what you are doing is right or wrong. I am glad you are reading your Bible, and I know the Bible will make it clear to you how you ought to live. It is the Word of God and anyone who follows the Bible is blessed. It teaches that we are all sinners but God is willing to forgive everyone who repents.

You are not ready for marriage. You are still very young. Perhaps, your boyfriend's mother would prefer not to see her son with such a young girl as his girlfriend. That does not mean that she hates you. She might be only trying to help you so don't hold anything against her.

Pastor