Partners in Marriage

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18 ESV).

The Apostle Paul writes a very definitive principle of marriage in our reading today. Simply stated, he says that Christians are called to marry Christians. There are some important reasons for this declaration. First, it’s just common sense. If Christ is your priority and you marry someone whose priority is politics, music, work, sports, education, or anything other than Christ, in time, you’ll find yourselves drifting apart. God’s practical instruction that Christians are to be bound with Christians allows us to be joined together in a deep relationship of love, respect, compassion, and understanding. The picture of two oxen bound (or yoked) together is often used to explain this Scripture. The oxen must pull in the same direction. Otherwise, they will fight with one another and experience exhaustion. The same is true of two people who marry but don't share a common faith. Like the oxen pulling in different directions, a couple who doesn't share a Godly foundation will clash and experience conflict. Second, it gives you the basis for making a decision of commitment for a lifetime. It answers so many unknowns a couple face at the beginning of a relationship. It will help explain the basis for future decisions. For the Christian, God is the predominant basis for decisions of life. It is also essential in learning to negotiate a mutually satisfactory solution to any conflict. Even in disagreement your spouse will have the capacity to forgive and restore. Marriage based on a common faith is for our benefit, blessing and protection. God wants what is absolutely best for you. So, what if you are already in a relationship that is unequal? The apostle spoke to that also. He indicates that we are to stay in the commitment and pray for our spouse. We are to work toward bringing the relationship to the Lord for him to work within us to exemplify grace and forgiveness so that they may be saved.