Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
—2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV)
Few other Scriptures have produced more difficulty for God's servants — ministers, pastors, elders — as they have sought to serve others. While not applying only to marriage, it almost certainly applies as a warning to a believer thinking about marrying an unbeliever. It is a Spirit-inspired reminder that when we make life-long partnerships with those who do not share our deepest values in Christ, we are endangering our spiritual health and placing future misunderstandings and burdens on our partnership. Just as God's Law would not allow the Israelites to yoke a donkey and an ox together because it would ultimately break them both down, Paul also reminds Christians this same principle is true for their most significant relationships as well.
Father God, I know your will is not arbitrary. I know you want what is best for me. So please give me wisdom as I choose my partnerships and closest friends. Help us as believers to help each other live for you and share your blessings and grace with those who are not believers. Please use us to influence others to come to know you, your mercy, and your salvation more thoroughly, and also have the courage to do so before entering into lasting and significant relationships with them. In Jesus' name. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Few other Scriptures have produced more difficulty for God's servants — ministers, pastors, elders — as they have sought to serve others. While not applying only to marriage, it almost certainly applies as a warning to a believer thinking about marrying an unbeliever. It is a Spirit-inspired reminder that when we make life-long partnerships with those who do not share our deepest values in Christ, we are endangering our spiritual health and placing future misunderstandings and burdens on our partnership. Just as God's Law would not allow the Israelites to yoke a donkey and an ox together because it would ultimately break them both down, Paul also reminds Christians this same principle is true for their most significant relationships as well.
My Prayer...
Father God, I know your will is not arbitrary. I know you want what is best for me. So please give me wisdom as I choose my partnerships and closest friends. Help us as believers to help each other live for you and share your blessings and grace with those who are not believers. Please use us to influence others to come to know you, your mercy, and your salvation more thoroughly, and also have the courage to do so before entering into lasting and significant relationships with them. In Jesus' name. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
