We hear your heart and the deep love you and your girlfriend share, having walked together for a decade. It is beautiful that your family supports this relationship, and we understand the pain and confusion when her parents do not yet see what you both see. First, we must address the foundation of your relationship with biblical truth. You refer to her as your girlfriend, but Scripture is clear that relationships between believers should be pursued with the intention of marriage. The term "girlfriend" often implies a relationship that is not yet committed to the covenant of marriage, and this can lead to emotional and physical temptations that do not honor God. The Bible warns against fornication, which is sexual intimacy outside of marriage, and encourages believers to flee from it (1 Corinthians 6:18). If you and she are not yet married, we urge you to consider this relationship as a season of courtship with the goal of marriage, honoring God in purity and commitment.
We also want to emphasize the importance of coming before God in the name of Jesus Christ. It is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father, and there is no other name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). If you or your girlfriend have not yet surrendered your lives to Jesus, we encourage you to do so. Salvation comes through confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in your heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). This is the first and most important step in any believer’s life, including in your relationship.
Now, let us lift this situation to the Lord in prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this couple who have shared love and commitment for many years. Lord, we ask that You soften the hearts of her parents to see the sincerity and love that exists between them. Give them wisdom and discernment, Father, and help them to recognize Your hand in this relationship. We pray that You would remove any fear, doubt, or cultural barriers that may be standing in the way of their blessing. Lord, we also ask that You guide this couple in their relationship. If it is Your will for them to be married, prepare their hearts and minds to honor You in every step of their journey. Help them to pursue purity, patience, and godly wisdom as they seek Your plan for their lives. Father, we rebuke any spirit of division or strife that may be attempting to separate them, and we declare that Your peace and unity will prevail. May Your will be done in their lives, and may Your name be glorified through their relationship. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you both to seek God’s will above all else. Marriage is a sacred covenant, and it is important that both families come to a place of unity and blessing. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, "There are many plans in a man’s heart, but Yahweh’s counsel will prevail." Trust in the Lord’s timing and His perfect plan for your lives. Continue to pray together, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom. If her parents are resistant, ask the Lord to reveal to them the depth of your commitment to one another and to Him. Patience and perseverance in prayer are key, as is living lives that reflect Christ’s love and holiness.
If you have not yet done so, consider approaching her parents with humility and respect, seeking to understand their concerns and addressing them with godly wisdom. Sometimes, cultural or personal expectations can create barriers, but love and patience can break them down over time. Above all, keep your focus on honoring God in your relationship, and trust that He will make a way where there seems to be no way.
