Unequally Yoked?

A relationship with a non-believer, while not sinful, isn’t ideal.

Today, we’re going to take a look at why that is by examining another passage from Paul from in another letter to the Corinthians.

Let’s check it out.

You’re Yoking

In 2 Corinthians 6v14, Paul writes:

The word “mismatched” is commonly translated as “yoked”, in reference to the tool put around oxen to transport cargo.

Though this passage is commonly used to support the view that the Bible forbids mixed-faith relationships, that’s not quite it.

Paul is warning against relationship dynamics where the follower of Jesus is negatively influenced by a non-believer.

This is NOT a prohibition on any form of relationship with non-believers - romantic or otherwise. But it is a warning against the wrong kind of influence creeping in.

Influence in Relationships

In 1 Corinthians 7v12-16, Paul explains that, in a mixed-faith relationship, a non-believing partner can be influenced towards Christ by the believer.

This is a very real possibility - but influence can work both ways.

One of my biggest cautions for believers considering a relationship with a non-believer is how that relationship can influence them.

A romantic partner is someone we should, in theory, have our walls down around. A person who sees us as we are, someone we let into our most vulnerable places.

This is why having a Christian partner is ideal, as you can trust the foundation they’re coming from.

I’m not saying non-Christians are doomed to always be poor partners, not at all, but they still lack the spiritual center important to Christians.

A few weeks ago, Aaron and I discussed engaging with “non-Christian” media.

I don’t think engagement with that media is negative in itself. I do, however, think it can negatively influence us if we’re not careful, we run a similar risk in mixed-faith relationships.

So, can you influence a non-believing partner towards Jesus?

Absolutely.

But can they just as easily influence you away from Jesus?

Yes.

The question is, is that a risk worth running?

There’s no clear answer. Pros and cons exist on both sides. So come back tomorrow as we close this series by examining these complexities.

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

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