“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14
Understanding Our Relationships
In our walk with God, we often encounter various types of relationships. One of the most challenging can be our connections with non-believers. The Bible teaches us that our relationships, including friendships and romantic partnerships, can significantly influence our spiritual growth. Being with a non-believer can pull us away from our beliefs and values, which is why it’s essential to be mindful of these relationships. We should seek to build connections that are spiritually uplifted and that encourage us to stay closer to God and His teachings. God calls us to spread His light, but it is crucial to protect our own faith along the way.
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
Ephesians 5:11
“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” – Ephesians 5:11
Proverbs 13:20
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” – Proverbs 13:20
2 Timothy 3:5
“Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” – 2 Timothy 3:5
Witnessing Through Love
While it can be challenging to have relationships with those who do not share our beliefs, we can still be a powerful witness of God’s love. Our mission is to showcase God’s grace and truth through our lives. Loving our non-believing friends and family can open opportunities for conversations about faith and the goodness of God. It is essential to approach these relationships with patience and empathy, allowing the light of Christ to shine through us, creating a spark of curiosity in others about the faith we hold dear.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
1 Peter 3:1
“Likewise, wives, be submissive to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives.” – 1 Peter 3:1
John 13:35
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:35
Romans 2:4
“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” – Romans 2:4
Colossians 4:5-6
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” – Colossians 4:5-6
Guarding Our Hearts
While we reach out to non-believers, we must also guard our hearts. It’s essential we do not let our faith be compromised. We are encouraged to fill ourselves with God’s Word and surround ourselves with fellow believers who support our faith journey. This ensures we are strong and rooted, helping us maintain our values and points of view while interacting with those who may disagree. Setting healthy boundaries in these relationships is paramount, allowing ours to thrive spiritually.
Proverbs 4:23
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” – Proverbs 4:23
Psalms 119:11
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” – Psalms 119:11
1 John 2:15-17
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” – 1 John 2:15-17
Galatians 5:7-9
“You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” – Galatians 5:7-9
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
Praying for Them
Prayer is a powerful tool we can use when in relationships with non-believers. We should consistently pray for our loved ones who have not yet accepted Christ. Intercession brings them to God’s presence, where He can work in their hearts. Our prayers can help soften their hearts to the gospel message, and we can ask God for wisdom on how to approach them lovingly. Through prayer, we can also find peace for ourselves and strengthen our resolve to keep our relationship honoring to God.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
James 5:16
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” – James 5:16
Matthew 7:7
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Colossians 1:9
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” – Colossians 1:9
Finding Common Ground
Building relationships with non-believers allows us to find common ground. We can appreciate shared interests, values, and ideas, which can lead to meaningful conversations about faith. When we engage with respect and openness, we can show them the beauty of our Christian faith without placing judgment upon them. Finding common areas of understanding can develop rapport, creating a strong bond that may one day lead them to our Savior. Let us be the bridge that fosters respect and encourages spiritual discussion.
Acts 17:22-23
“So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: ‘Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.’” – Acts 17:22-23
Romans 12:18
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” – Romans 12:18
Proverbs 18:24
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24
1 Corinthians 9:22
“To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.” – 1 Corinthians 9:22
John 10:16
“And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” – John 10:16
Sharing the Gospel
It’s our calling as Christians to share the gospel, including with those who do not share our beliefs. However, we must approach this mission with wisdom and love. Our friendships should not merely be a strategy for evangelism but a genuine effort to love and care for those around us. As we get to know them better, we discover opportunities to present the good news, encourage thoughts about faith, and invite them to church or spiritual discussions. Sharing the gospel is an essential part of our relationship with non-believers.
Mark 16:15
“And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’” – Mark 16:15
Matthew 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
2 Timothy 4:2
“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” – 2 Timothy 4:2
Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” – Romans 1:16
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Final Thoughts
As we think about being with non-believers, we must remember the importance of our relationships. These connections can influence our walk with God. We should approach these relationships with love and kindness while also guarding our hearts. Through prayer, we can invite God into these situations, asking for strength and wisdom.
Sharing our faith is not just about preaching but also about living our lives in a way that reflects Christ’s love. Let us be gentle and patient, allowing our actions and words to speak of God’s grace. Together, we can find common ground and build bridges that lead us to share the amazing love of Christ.
We encourage you to explore more uplifting topics, such as love and encouragement and how to keep God at the center of your marriage. Growing in our faith is a continuous endeavor, and exploring His word is a beautiful way to strengthen our relationship with Him.