When two people have a meaningful personal relationship, we can say that they are bonded. This is most certainly true in marriage. However, a warning is appropriate in the case of being bonded with the wrong person. For this reason the Bible says, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers" (2 Corinthians 6:14). When an unequal bond takes place, a bond may become bondage.
In Bible days, the farmer yoked two oxen to pull the plow. They moved forward together step by step. The apostle Paul used this everyday illustration to warn believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. This certainly applies to marriage. A couple should be pulling together as they go forward in their relationship and not against each other. A marriage that pulls together provides energy in the relationship. When the partners in a marriage pull against each other, the relationship drains both husband and wife.
The Bible makes it clear that a believer should marry another believer (1 Cor. 7:39). Issues of faith can cause much conflict in the marriage. There are marriages where a believer can live together with an unbeliever in peace, but not always. If the unbeliever wants to continue in the marriage, the believer should be willing to consent. However, the Bible gives concession for divorce if the unbeliever chooses to depart (1 Cor. 7:13-16). The goal of the relationship is to live in peace (1 Cor. 7:15).
The yoke of marriage is the bond of marriage. It is a covenant relationship ordained of God. He desires to bless those who make vows before Him. The wedding vows or promises to each other confirm the bond to become a covenant relationship. Vows in the Bible are taken seriously and have consequences and blessings in this life (Numbers 30). To break the vows is to break the bond or yoke of marriage.
We have often heard that opposites attract. That may be true in many circumstances, but it's not always true between a believer and unbeliever. Faith issues can cause serious disagreement. Marriage is intended to be a blessed relationship, as both partners pull together with the same goals and direction of life. The more agreement between the couple, the stronger the bond. Marriages are energized by common goals and belief systems. It is an interdependent relationship, as they pull together and not apart. Together is the key word. They are together in the good times and the bad, side by side. They find strength from each other.
In Bible days, the farmer yoked two oxen to pull the plow. They moved forward together step by step. The apostle Paul used this everyday illustration to warn believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. This certainly applies to marriage. A couple should be pulling together as they go forward in their relationship and not against each other. A marriage that pulls together provides energy in the relationship. When the partners in a marriage pull against each other, the relationship drains both husband and wife.
The Bible makes it clear that a believer should marry another believer (1 Cor. 7:39). Issues of faith can cause much conflict in the marriage. There are marriages where a believer can live together with an unbeliever in peace, but not always. If the unbeliever wants to continue in the marriage, the believer should be willing to consent. However, the Bible gives concession for divorce if the unbeliever chooses to depart (1 Cor. 7:13-16). The goal of the relationship is to live in peace (1 Cor. 7:15).
The yoke of marriage is the bond of marriage. It is a covenant relationship ordained of God. He desires to bless those who make vows before Him. The wedding vows or promises to each other confirm the bond to become a covenant relationship. Vows in the Bible are taken seriously and have consequences and blessings in this life (Numbers 30). To break the vows is to break the bond or yoke of marriage.
We have often heard that opposites attract. That may be true in many circumstances, but it's not always true between a believer and unbeliever. Faith issues can cause serious disagreement. Marriage is intended to be a blessed relationship, as both partners pull together with the same goals and direction of life. The more agreement between the couple, the stronger the bond. Marriages are energized by common goals and belief systems. It is an interdependent relationship, as they pull together and not apart. Together is the key word. They are together in the good times and the bad, side by side. They find strength from each other.
