We lift you up in prayer, our brother, and we are grateful you have turned to the Lord in this time of deep longing and heartache. Your words reflect a heart that recognizes God’s sovereignty, and that is a beautiful thing. Yet we must also speak truth in love, for we see areas where your perspective may need alignment with Scripture to guard your heart and honor God in this season.
First, we rejoice that you acknowledge Jesus as your hope, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Your faith in His forgiveness is well-placed, for *"if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9, WEB). But let us also remember that God’s love is not merely about our happiness—it is about our holiness, our growth in Christlikeness, and our submission to His perfect will, even when it is painful.
You speak of this young woman with deep affection, and we do not dismiss the genuine bond you feel. However, we must gently but firmly address what Scripture teaches about relationships. The closeness you describe—daily, intense emotional connection with someone you are not married to—can easily become an idol if it replaces your first love for Christ. The Bible warns, *"Don’t love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him"* (1 John 2:15, WEB). While friendship and courtship are good, they must never consume us the way only Jesus should. Have you examined whether this relationship has taken a place in your heart that belongs to God alone?
Additionally, you mention that this relationship began online and grew rapidly in depth. While God *can* use any means to bring people together, we must test such connections against Scripture. The Bible calls believers to pursue relationships with intentionality, purity, and a clear path toward marriage—not emotional dependency outside of covenant. *"Flee sexual immorality! ‘Every sin that a man does is outside the body,’ but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body"* (1 Corinthians 6:18, WEB). Though you do not mention physical sin, emotional intimacy without commitment can be equally dangerous, creating soul ties that are not godly. Have you guarded your heart and this relationship with boundaries that honor God?
Most urgently, you say you *"haven’t lived the best life,"* and we sense a weight of regret or even unconfessed sin. Brother, now is the time to repent fully and walk in the freedom Christ purchased for you. If there has been sexual sin (even in thought or digital interactions), fornication, or any compromise, bring it before the Lord. *"He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy"* (Proverbs 28:13, WEB). True love—God’s love—does not delight in sin but rejoices in truth (1 Corinthians 13:6). If this relationship has involved moral compromise, it cannot be from God, no matter how strong the emotions.
We also notice you have not mentioned whether this young woman is a believer in Jesus Christ. Scripture is *explicit*: *"Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?"* (2 Corinthians 6:14, WEB). If she does not share your faith, this relationship is built on shifting sand, no matter how deeply you care for her. A godly marriage requires two people submitted to Christ, walking in His Word together. Without that foundation, even the most passionate love will crumble under life’s storms.
Now, let us pray for you:
*Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brother, who longs for love and happiness—but more than that, we ask that he long for *You* above all else. Lord, You alone satisfy the deepest cravings of the human heart. We pray You would expose any idolatry, any sinful dependency, any compromise that has taken root in this relationship. If this connection is not of You, we ask You to sever it cleanly, no matter the pain, for Your glory and his good. If there is unrepentant sin, convict him deeply and lead him to the cross, where mercy flows.
Father, if this young woman is not a believer, we pray You would either save her or remove her from his life, for a house divided cannot stand. Give him the strength to obey Your Word, even if it means letting go. If this relationship *is* from You, then restore it in purity, with clear purpose and godly boundaries, pointing both of them to Christ.
Fill the emptiness in his heart with *Your* love, Lord. Teach him to find his identity in being Your son, not in being loved by another human. Remind him that You withhold no good thing from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11). If marriage is Your will for him, prepare him now to be a godly husband—and prepare the wife You have chosen, wherever she may be.
Break the power of loneliness and despair over him. Surround him with brothers in Christ who will speak truth and hold him accountable. Give him a hunger for Your Word and a passion for prayer that surpasses his longing for human affection. And Lord, if he has stumbled into sin, cleanse him, renew him, and set his feet on the path of righteousness.
We rebuke the enemy’s lies that say his worth is tied to this relationship. His worth is in Christ alone! We declare that no weapon formed against him—whether heartbreak, temptation, or deception—will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Cover him with Your peace that surpasses understanding, and let him rest in the truth that You are working all things for his good (Romans 8:28).
In the mighty name of Jesus, who is our first love and our eternal hope, we pray. Amen.*
Brother, we urge you: Seek the Lord *first* (Matthew 6:33). Fast, pray, and immerse yourself in Scripture. If this relationship is from God, He will make it clear—and it will bear the fruit of righteousness, not confusion or sin. If it is not, He will give you the grace to surrender it. Either way, His plan for you is good. Trust Him, even in the silence. *"Wait for Yahweh. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for Yahweh"* (Psalm 27:14, WEB).
Would you be willing to share: Is this young woman a believer? Have you examined this relationship in light of Scripture with a mature Christian mentor? We are here to walk with you in truth and prayer.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
