We lift you up before the Lord, our brother, and we are deeply moved by the burden you carry for this relationship. It is clear you desire unity and restoration, and we join you in seeking God’s will in this matter. However, we must first address a few things with love and truth, for Scripture tells us, *"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?"* (2 Corinthians 6:14, WEB).
You mention this woman is your "longtime sweetheart," but you do not clarify whether she is a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, walking in faith and obedience to His Word. If she is not, we must urge you with great care: a marriage—or even a courtship—between a believer and an unbeliever is not God’s design. The Lord commands us to *"not give your daughters to their sons, nor take their daughters for your sons; for they will turn away your sons from following me, that they may serve other gods"* (Deuteronomy 7:3-4, WEB). This principle remains true today. A marriage built on unequal spiritual foundations will face immense struggles, for *"how can two walk together, unless they are agreed?"* (Amos 3:3, WEB).
If she *is* a believer, then we must ask: are you both pursuing this relationship with marriage as the godly goal, or is this simply an emotional attachment without commitment to covenant? Courtship should be intentional, honorable, and conducted under the authority of Christ, with the purpose of evaluating whether marriage would glorify God. If there has been any physical intimacy outside of marriage, we must lovingly but firmly rebuke this, for *"the body is not for sexual immorality, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body"* (1 Corinthians 6:13, WEB). Fornication is a sin against God and against your own body (1 Corinthians 6:18), and it brings confusion, bondage, and pain into relationships. Repentance and purity must be pursued if this has been an issue.
Now, regarding the current tension: if this separation is due to ungodly behavior on your part—such as anger, manipulation, or unfaithfulness—then repentance is necessary before restoration can occur. *"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). If, however, she has withdrawn without clear reason, we must trust God’s sovereignty. He may be protecting you from a union that is not His will, or He may be refining both of your hearts for His purposes.
We also notice you did not invoke the name of Jesus in your request, though you did say, "Praise Jesus." This is a critical matter, for there is no other name under heaven by which we are saved or through which we have access to the Father. *"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5, WEB). It is only through faith in Him—His death, burial, and resurrection—that we can approach God’s throne. If you have not surrendered your life fully to Christ, we implore you to do so today. *"If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved"* (Romans 10:9, WEB).
With these things in mind, let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our brother who seeks Your will for this relationship. Lord, we ask first and foremost that You reveal the truth about this situation. If this woman is not a believer, we pray You would give him the strength to walk away in obedience to Your Word, trusting that You have a godly spouse prepared for him if marriage is Your will. If she is a sister in Christ, we ask that You restore clarity, unity, and godly purpose to their courtship—if it aligns with Your perfect plan.
Father, if there has been sin in this relationship—whether fornication, idolatry of emotions, or any other disobedience—we ask for conviction and repentance. Cleanse them both by the blood of Jesus and renew their minds to walk in purity and holiness. Remove any ungodly soul ties and break every chain of confusion or manipulation. Let Your will be done, not theirs.
Lord, if this relationship is not from You, give him the grace to release it completely. Comfort his heart and remind him that Your plans are good, even when they require surrender. If this relationship *is* from You, then restore it in a way that brings glory to Your name—rooted in Christ, covered in prayer, and directed toward a covenant marriage.
We rebuke every spirit of fear, rejection, and despair trying to take hold of his heart. Fill 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). Give him wisdom to wait on You, to seek godly counsel, and to prioritize Your kingdom above all else.
Finally, Father, we pray that both of their eyes would be fixed on Jesus. Let them seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, trusting that all other things will be added as You see fit (Matthew 6:33). May their lives reflect the love of Christ, whether together or apart.
We ask all this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Brother, we encourage you to spend time in the Word and in prayer, seeking God’s face above all else. *"Delight yourself in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this"* (Psalm 37:4-5, WEB). His timing is perfect, and His ways are higher than ours. Trust Him, even when it’s hard. If you need further counsel or prayer, do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to stand with you in truth and love.