Christian Discipleship Course 20.

Question and answer: “What are the rules for relationships with the opposite sex?”

This is a very interesting question with many different ideas; depending on what culture you come from. Even in the West, the American form of going out is different from that of the British. The universal rule is that you do not have a relationship (boyfriend or girlfriend) with some one who is not a Christian.

2 Corinthians 6:14 ‘Do not be yoked together with unbelievers, for what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?’

A yoke is a piece of equipment that goes across an animal’s neck. The animal is harnessed to a plough, and it pulls it across a field. Often there would be two animals working side by side pulling one large plough. Imagine if an ox and a donkey were yoked together, they would end up going in circles, and the ox would carry most of the burden. Christians and unbelievers are very different people with different views.

Wisdom: To obey God’s word is safe and profitable. To disobey God will result in broken fellowship with Him and possible disaster.

In a sports team, the coach or manager will give everyone a tactical plan. If you ignore their plan, and play by different rules, don’t be surprised when you lose and disappoint a lot of people, including yourself.

Fact: Most people enter into a relationship unsure of the rules that have been made for their own protection. That can result in broken hearts/lives.

To jump from one relationship to another is not God’s plan. Those who do this often have little self worth, and try to find acceptance and love in a partner. We can only find unconditional love and acceptance from God. Allow God to show you who is the right person for you. Sex is only permissible in the context of marriage. You do not need to go with the crowd, you are not odd - you’re smart. It is wise to hang out in groups and not in secluded places where you could be tempted. Job 31:1, Matthew 6:22,23.

If you compromise your/God’s standards when you choose a partner, don’t be surprised if they compromise their standards with you. Also, don’t be surprised if they won’t live by the standards that you compromised.

Think: Does your relationship enrich or weaken your walk with God?

More Info: Genesis 2:18-25, Exodus 34:16, Joshua 23:12,13, Ezra 9:1-15, Nehemiah 13:23-27, Proverbs 13:13, 31:30, Amos 3:3, Matthew 12:25, Luke, 11:28, 1 Corinthians 6:9,10,19,20, 15:33, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, 1 Thess. 4:7, 5:21,22, James 1:22, 4:4.