There are things in life that we’ve heard probably a thousand times. However, sometimes hearing something so many times can lead you to overthink it, overlook it, or change the meaning in your head without even knowing it.
When this happens with scripture, there’s a dangerous chance of us going down a road or thought pattern that’s unhealthy.
Today, we want to look at a piece of scripture that may be vulnerable to this happening.
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14
Just because you’ve heard something a thousand times does not mean it’s any less true or any less powerful. We’ve all probably heard John 3:16 more times than we can count, but that doesn’t mean the sacrifice of Jesus is any less powerful!
The same can be said for all other scripture. Specifically today, we want to look at a passage from 2 Corinthians where Paul says pretty bluntly not to be yoked with unbelievers. While this verse carries weight in a lot of realms and relationships, one of the more popular areas it’s used is when talking about romantic relationships and marriages.
Basically, Paul is saying that if you link yourself (date, marry, etc.) with someone who isn’t on the same Godly path of righteousness as you, it’s not going to be good. Here are three takeaways form this verse worth considering today.
One—this verse is clear. It clearly states you should not date or marry someone who isn’t a Christian and living the same life with the same spiritual goals as you. Period. Often, we hear people say that they’re going to try and change the other person or that the person is a good person so it’s okay. While that might sound good when you say it, it clearly goes against what is advised in scripture. Period. End of discussion.
Two—this verse applies to dating and not just marriage. As a continuation of point one, we’ve heard people say that this verse only matters if “things get serious.” Again, this is a misinterpretation and perversion of the verse. According to the scriptures, you should not even be going on a first date with someone who doesn’t hold the same belief system as you.
Three—this verse is not designed to be a buzzkill! Often, people hear this and think it’s just God trying to rain on their parade. Remember, the “rules” and guidance from the Bible is not mean to punish us or rob us of joy. It’s meant to protect us, and it comes from a position of love.
Think about it from a parent’s standpoint. If your kid wants to play on the playground but you know the equipment is all rusty and about to break, you’d probably make the rule that they can’t play there. You’re not making that rule to rob them of fun; you’re doing it to protect them. Why? Because you can see more than them and you love them.
The same can be said about God. The reason His word tells us not to yoke ourselves with non-Christians is because He knows more than us and He knows that it will get us hurt.
📝 Here’s Some Reflection Questions:
- Are you firm that you’re only open to dating other Christian singles?
- What systems and boundaries do you have in place (or need to put in place) to make sure you stand firm in this?
- Are you regularly praying to ask God to help you stand firm in this guidance?
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