BGR - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked

This post is off topic for healing and miracles. But I thought it worth to keep a record of what has been written.

2 Corinthians 6:14 is probably one of the most misquoted verses used to teach on BGR relationship.

"Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers." - 2 Cor 6:14

We were taught that we should not enter into a BGR relationship with an unbeliever, because we must not be "unequally yoked". If we were to read the context of this passage, we will realise that apostle Paul was not talking about human relationships.

He was addressing issues that the Corinthian Church was going through. They were believers, but they were living the lifestyle of unbelievers (2 Cor 7:1). Immorality (1 Cor 5-6) and idolatry (1 Cor 10) were prevalent issues in the church.

The context of 2 Corinthians 6 is pretty clear.

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what FELLOWSHIP has righteousness with lawlessness? And what COMMUNION has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with IDOLS? For you are the temple of the living God. (2 Cor 6:14-16 emphasis added)

Righteousness VS lawlessness

Light VS darkness

Christ VS Belial (idol)

It has nothing to do with BGR relationship.

If you read on verse 17-18, you will understand that Paul was addressing idolatry. The Corinthians were worshiping God and yet involved in idols and licentious lifestyle (1 Cor 6:18-20).

In fact, the words "fellowship" and "communion", in the Greek, have to do with "participation" and "partaking".

You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot PARTAKE of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. - 1 Cor 10:21 (emphasis added)

But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints... Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore DO NOT BE PARTAKERS with them. - Ephesians 5:3-7 (emphasis added)

When Paul said, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers", what he was saying is this, "Do not partake/participate in what the unbelievers are involved in. They were involved in idolatry, immorality and all kinds of other stuff. Don't be involved. Be separated from that kind of lifestyle."

Disclaimer: It is wise to find a partner who shares the same faith as you. This will prevent alot of unnecessary issues and conflicts from arising due to different beliefs. Even if both are Christians, it is still wise to find someone who is as passionate about Jesus as you do. Having someone who is a Christian but doesn't really bother about Jesus will still result in unnecessary conflicts.

For a believer who is in a BGR relationship with a non-believer, first of all, there is no condemnation in Christ. A believing partner can sanctify the non-believing partner (1 Cor 7:14) by living in the light and representing Christ to the non-believing partner. That will win him/her over to Christ. Of course, it's easier said than done. Knowing and walking in identity, therefore, is the key.

Personally, I don't believe in telling the non-believing partner, "I can't be with you because God said so." You can't find that from Scripture. It only turns the non-believing partner further away from Jesus, who is LOVE. But for areas where they would compromise worship, you can say, "I can't worship idols like you do. I can't be involved in what you are involved that is against God. I can't participate in fornication, etc. Because He loves me and I love Him." Remember, light convicts darkness.

If the non-believing partner initiates break-up because of your devotion to Jesus, let him/her go.

But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace. - 1 Cor 7:15

May we not place yoke on people that God did not.