Does God Approve of Your Relationship?

Relationships can be tricky. Two imperfect human beings who come from differing backgrounds, people who make mistakes and let each other down, can make for a messy relationship. Add to the mix you’re not sure of what the Bible has to say on the matter, you might find yourself in one difficult situation. From what shows up in my email inbox, many women would like to know if their relationship is right in God’s eyes.

Dear Jolene,

My husband and I have been through infidelity on both sides and a separation. We have since reconciled and are trying to get it right this time. If we have reconciled and are trying to achieve a Christ-centered marriage, is our marriage still valid in God’s eyes?

~a wife with questions

Dear a wife with questions,

Since you have confessed your sins and you are no longer living as adulterers, God has forgiven you. In this context, you are no longer at odds with God and His word, therefore, your marriage is right in God’s eyes. God is the Creator of marriage, therefore He is pro-marriage. He is for reconciliation and restoration, which from the sounds of it, that is the path you are on. Well done!

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 NKJV

Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Hebrews 13:4

How about other relationships? What does God’s Word say about the following?

Does God approve of a believer dating an unbeliever? 

No, He does not. Unfortunately, I see so many Christian women making this mistake today. According to the Bible, dating an unbeliever is not God’s best for you, so why settle for anything less than His best? Sister in Christ, I implore you to trust God with your love life.

Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14 NLT

Does God approve of a believer married to a non-believer? 

According to the Bible, yes He does. Again, God is pro-marriage.

If a Christian man has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to continue living with him, he must not leave her. And if a Christian woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to continue living with her, she must not leave him. For the Christian wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the Christian husband brings holiness to his marriage. 1 Corinthians 7:12-14 NLT

Don’t you wives realize that your husbands might be saved because of you? And don’t you husbands realize that your wives might be saved because of you? 1 Corinthians 7:16 NLT

But if the husband or wife who isn’t a believer insists on leaving, let them go. In such cases the Christian husband or wife is no longer bound to the other, for God has called you to live in peace. 1 Corinthians 7:15

Does God approve of a believer living with another believer (or unbeliever)? 

No, God does not approve of this relationship. Sex is reserved for marriage, not a relationship where the man and woman are playing house. If you’re in a relationship like this one, you are living outside of the will of God. Make the necessary changes to get right with God. In other words, either move out or get married.

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

So you might be wondering, “What’s the big deal about living outside of the will of God?” I’m glad you asked.

When we sin against God, we break fellowship with Him. And when we break fellowship with God, our prayers go unheard. Don’t expect God to bless you when you live a life in outright opposition to His truth.

But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. Isaiah 59:2 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear. Psalm 66:18

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil. 1 Peter 3:12

Live a poured out life for Christ,

Jolene Engle