This precept really applies to Christian believers. 2 Corinthians 6:14 states 'Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?' The world will accuse the Christian church for being non-caring and sensitive to the needs of non-believers. Caring and being committed to a person in a relationship are two different things. As a Christian my number responsibility to the non-believer is to love that person. The love that I display is the LOVE that is defined in the bible. In 1Co 13:4 states 'Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;'

When it comes to developing relationships Americans are really sloppy when it comes to relationship building. The relationships that we Christians have are to mirror the relationship that we have with the Lord Jesus Christ. The relationships that we have with out family members, friends and the opposite sex are all to model the relationship that we have with Jesus. Why? Aren't we to go out into the world and be the light of the world?

Yes we are but what we are talking about here is building relationships. Jesus said "what communion has light with darkness?" For example the relationships that I have around me support my family, faith and me as a Christian believer. When I come to times of uncertainty in my life I have a strong support system around me. I have relationships with people who will encourage me to pray and trust God.

I have seen this work in the opposite where believers have place themselves in circles that are contrary to their own beliefs. People will offer them alternative solutions to their problems that are not what God had planned for them. I have seen believers marry non-believing spouses only to end up frustrated in the marriage because the other spouse does not share their Christian beliefs. If this concept weren't important Jesus would not have brought it up. I guess we believe (I did at one time too) that if we would just love people the way they are that they would see our good intentions and turn from the error of their ways. Boy was I wrong. I've come to one conclusion and that is that my love is not good enough. People are going to have to see for themselves the love of Jesus Christ. The more solid my relationship with Jesus is the more solid the other relationships in my life will be. Why? It is because I have the example of the Lord Jesus Christ showing me that everyday. Some of you really want to become married one day but if that potential husband is NOT a believer you will be asking for trouble. Sure if not

now but later this will become a 'thorn' in the side of your marriage. Many of you are in relationships with ungodly friends and relatives. I encourage you to re-evaluate those relationships. If these relationships threaten the security of your faith and family then by all means have the courage to cut them off. I know it sounds easier said than done but for the most part it is necessary. God will replace these relationships with healthier ones. Please don't attempt the shortcuts that many people take thinking they can get around this issue. It's hard but the reward is so much greater.

 

Article written by: Sgt Roy