We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, lifting up this situation to Him in prayer. First, we want to acknowledge the love you have expressed for this woman, and we pray that this love is rooted in Christ and aligned with His will. The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, "Love is patient and is kind; love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud, doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." If this love you speak of is truly from God, it will reflect these qualities and seek His glory above all else.
We must also address the foundation of your relationship. Have you both committed your lives to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If not, we urge you to turn to Him first, for it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father (John 14:6). There is no other name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). If you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, we pray that you would do so today, confessing your sins and believing in His death and resurrection for your salvation (Romans 10:9-10). Without Christ at the center of your life and this relationship, it will be difficult to build something that honors God and lasts.
Now, regarding the misunderstanding and feelings of disrespect, we are reminded of Ephesians 4:29-32, which says, "Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear. Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you." It is clear that communication and respect are vital in any relationship, especially one that seeks to honor God. We must examine our hearts and actions to ensure that we are not causing others to stumble or feel disrespected.
However, we must also address the state of your relationship. If you are not married, we must rebuke any sin that may be present, such as fornication or emotional intimacy that belongs only within the covenant of marriage. The Bible is clear that sexual immorality is a sin against our own bodies (1 Corinthians 6:18) and that we should flee from it. If this relationship has been physical outside of marriage, we urge you to repent and seek God’s forgiveness, turning away from this sin and pursuing purity. Marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, and any relationship outside of this design is not pleasing to God.
We also want to gently challenge the idea of "fixing" this relationship if it is not built on the foundation of Christ. If this woman is not a believer, or if she is not willing to pursue a godly marriage with you, we must consider whether this relationship is truly in God’s will. The Bible warns us not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14), and we must take this warning seriously. Our hearts may long for reconciliation, but we must submit our desires to God’s perfect will.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your wisdom and guidance in this situation. Lord, we lift up this brother to You, asking that You would draw him close to Your heart and reveal Your will for his life. If he does not know You as his Savior, we pray that he would surrender his life to Jesus Christ today, confessing his sins and believing in the power of Your resurrection. We ask that You would fill him with Your Holy Spirit and give him the strength to walk in obedience to Your Word.
Father, we pray for this relationship, asking that You would bring clarity and healing. If this relationship is not in alignment with Your will, we ask that You would give him the strength to let go and trust in Your plan. If there is sin present, such as fornication or emotional impurity, we ask that You would convict his heart and lead him to repentance. Lord, we pray that You would restore what has been broken, but only if it is Your will. Help him to seek Your face above all else and to trust in Your perfect timing.
We also pray for this woman, Lord. If she does not know You, we ask that You would draw her to Yourself and soften her heart to the gospel. If she is a believer, we pray that You would give her wisdom and discernment in this situation. Help her to forgive and to seek reconciliation if it is Your will, but also give her the strength to walk away if this relationship is not honoring to You.
Father, we ask that You would teach both of them to love as You love, with patience, kindness, and selflessness. Help them to communicate with respect and to build one another up in the faith. Lord, we trust in Your goodness and Your plan, even when it is difficult to understand. We surrender this situation into Your hands, asking that You would be glorified in all things.
In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to seek godly counsel from a pastor or mature Christian couple who can help guide you through this situation. Spend time in prayer and in God’s Word, asking Him to reveal His will for your life and this relationship. Remember that God’s plans for you are good (Jeremiah 29:11), and He will never lead you astray. Trust in Him, and He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). If this relationship is not meant to be, know that God has someone better in store for you—a spouse who will love and honor you as Christ loves the Church (Ephesians 5:25). Keep your heart open to His leading, and do not settle for anything less than His best.