Being Unequally Yoked is not Productive

What Does Unequally Yoked Mean?

“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)

 
     Unequally yoked, is usually referred to as being a believer and an unbeliever.  Just like oxen or horses need to be about the same size, strength, and capabilities when linked together, so should human partners.  Yet, in the case of humans, unequally yoked refers to their spiritual beliefs.  Couples should both be believers or both be unbelievers, so that they are not going in circles or pulling each other in opposite directions.

      So, if you love someone, why does it matter whether they believe in God or not?  Isn’t the love between you the only thing that matters?  Love is important, however it may be an uphill battle if you are paired with someone who is not in the same place spiritually as you.  

Hi friends,
    
     How are you today?  Today, I chose to write about a topic, which we might not think of very often.  It has to do with relationships and being unequally yoked.  So, what does that mean and why should we consider it?

Do Not Be Unequally Yoked with Unbelievers

     Why shouldn't we be unequally yoked?  The most important reason we shouldn't be unequally yoked is that God tells us not to do it.  We can see that we are warned and called against the practice in verses such as 2 Corinthians 6:14.  God knows that we are easily led astray, so He doesn't want us with people who will pull at our heartstrings and send us in the wrong direction.  Therefor, it is unproductive and unhealthy to be unequally yoked.

     Even though your love may seem strong in the beginning, there may come a time when your difference in belief may be a cause for strife or distress.  For example, if one spouse goes to church and the other doesn’t, it might not be a big deal in the beginning, but the person going to church may feel torn some day.  That person may feel lonely going to church by himself or herself, seeing many other families and spouses at church together.  Or, the person going to church may start to want to miss church to be with his or her spouse, especially if the couple doesn’t get to spend much time together during the week.

     This difference could lead to struggles, fights, and difficult feelings.  The relationship may feel one-sided, like one person is carrying more of the weight of the relationship than the other.  Conflict may arise from one person going to church and the other not, one person praying and the other not, one person quoting scripture and the other not, one person reading the Bible and the other not, one person having faith in God and the other not.

     The unbeliever may get tired of the believer talking about God and faith or get tired of the believer trying to get him or her to believe the same.  It may make him or her feel like they are not good enough and the marriage will break up because of it.  A low self-esteem or low self-confidence can create all kinds of strife and upheaval.  That person may start to lash out.

     There are other differences that could cause you to feel unequally yoked as time goes by.  There could be differences in age, differences in education, differences in ethnicity, differences in work ethic.  Yet, a difference in beliefs is at the very heart and soul of one’s being.  The other things are just surface issues and may be easier to overcome.

     One may feel that it will get better over time.  Yet, if the believer grows in faith, the distance between the two will only get wider and wider.  And, one definitely does not want to go backwards in their faith, so they can be closer to their spouse.  That will only put them both farther from God.

Heavenly Father,
     Thank you for your Holy Scriptures!  Thank you for giving us this guide in how to live.  Thank you for your love.  Help us to remember these words about being unequally yoked when we consider being in a relationship with others who do not share the same belief or the same level of belief as we do, especially when we are considering marriage.  Help us to understand that this is more important than we may feel when we feel that we are in love with someone and nothing else matters.  I ask you this through your Son, Jesus.  Amen.
 
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Reflective Questions for 2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV):
*What does 2 Corinthians 6:14 mean to me?
*What does it mean to be unequally yoked?
*Am I unequally yoked with friends, coworkers, or family members?
*Are these relationships healthy?
*What can I do to better adhere to this verse?
*What can I do to help others consider the importance of this verse?

If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to read some of these similar posts:
*Are You Righteous or Self-Righteous When it Comes to Mistakes?
*Do You Believe in God's Word and Pray for Knowledge and Good Judgment?

Now, it is your turn:
    I would like to hear your thoughts?  Are you in an unequally yoked relationship?  Is is difficult?
     Are there any other topics or verses you would like to see in the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations?
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