Are You Equally Yoked? - What Does 'Equally Yoked' in Marriage Really Mean?

You can hear more in Episode 518 of the Awesome Marriage Podcast here: • How to Deal with Being...
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Dr. Kim Kimberling is a professional marriage counselor. He has been counseling couples for 37 years. Dr. Kim is the president of Awesome Marriage. He has been married to Nancy for over 51 years and together they have two adult children and 9 grandchildren.
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[@jesseduodu1505]

This hit the heart. I'm a Christian and was dating an atheist for almost 2yrs. I truly loved her. No one had ever made me feel the way she felt. However I was missing the spiritual connectivity. I had to end the relationship. It has been extremely difficult because I still have strong feelings for her and don't know if someone else can ever do what she did for me (she had helped me through my depression boughts and still loved me for who I was). However I have to think about the future and if we do have kids. I don't want them to be confused. I don't want to attend church by myself. And I don't want to start to forget about God. I have to be strong and have faith that the right person will come along. No matter how hard it is at the moment. Thank you!

[@awesomemarriage]

I am so sorry to hear you're struggling right now. I pray that you will keep your heart open and trust in God and His plan. He will provide!

[@EricGMaina]

Going through the exact same situation, I’d love to know how it turned out.

[@destroso]

I am unequally yoked. It’s a nightmare.

[@awesomemarriage]

Sorry you are walking through that. We are praying for you.

[@paulagonzalez1721]

Me too. We're both believers but we believe different things. It's very difficult.

[@richardoforiagyemang7510]

Am also going through the same thing we are both Christians but she's a sda and am a Sunday worship having problems everyday we have never had happiness need help if to leave it or to stay in can anyone chat with me for advice

[@Jessica-ob9zp]

@@richardoforiagyemang7510 if you are married pls be obedient and work through your marriage. It might be challenging. Continue to pray & grow closer with God. I pray that everything works in your favor. God Bless 🙏

[@righteousmasculine]

Man I hate this. This is why you pray about finding someone with the same morals and also you have to ask GOD to not send you nowhere if he’s not gonna be with you but a lot of people are scared of who they will lose than trusting GODs plan

[@beautifulbeginningslove7671]

Please pray for me to stay yoked with God ive chose to stay single i believe im called to it and truly thankful please keep me in prayer and i pray that you bless all couples and marriages in jesus name.😃

[@mesidye]

Hahah so wrong

[@mesidye]

Hahah so wrong

[@QueMari]

@@mesidye according to scripture some are called to stay single like Paul was. Not everyone has that gift but some do…

[@Levo42691]

@@QueMari couldn't agree more some are you remain married to Christ

[@RedLikeWine]

Thank you for this message. So many people do not understand it and do not understand its importance. Years ago and long before I was married, I had a close friend attempt to set me up with one of her husband's close friends but she quickly added, "He's not like you. He's not religious or prayerful." So, I was really taken aback as to why she would want to set me up with such a person. I told her I was not interested and said some unkind things that I later regretted as our friendship was never the same. But she knew my faith was important to me and she knew it was important to me that I find someone who shared those beliefs but she got offended that I was offended and said, "Well, I wasn't thinking of a proposal! I was just thinking you'd go on a date with him." Well.....why would I pursue a relationship with someone like this?! No way! Sometimes I think she wanted me to have the kind of marriage she had, which was very disappointing to her. They were NOT equally yoked and were often at odds with one another. I got married in my late 30s and it was well worth the wait. Being equally yoked is very important. We're going in the right direction. But honestly, I would have remained single if I had not met another Christian who was on the same page with me. I never wanted to get married just for the sake of getting married. I wanted someone with whom to spend my life and to pray with; in essence, to help each other get to heaven. We have been through some hard times in our marriage, such as layoffs and things like that. Scary stuff. But it has strengthened our marriage because we leaned on each other and on our prayer life during these hard times. And I was not blessed with good inlaws. They are awful people who had attempted to make our lives miserable. They are not true Christians. My mother in law, in particular, is a very mean person who talks about EVERYONE behind their backs. But thankfully we have my family who is supportive and loving. And we have our faith in God. So, my message is DO NOT SETTLE! Pray, pray, and pray for God to send you a suitable spouse who is equally yoked.

[@bernadetteduckett2911]

RedLikeWine.

[@islandgirlxx3465]

Redlikewine You are a wise woman.

[@Decode789]

Thank you! Your testimony really opened up my heart and mind. God knows when and where to answer our questions. God is good. God bless you 😊

[@awesomemarriage]

Thank you for your comment and watching!

[@jenniferaugustin7544]

So awesome. Yes, I don't want to settle either.

[@jessyjonas4988]

You belong to Jesus before you belong to each other Great message

[@removed343]

This is one of the best explanations I have heard on this subject. Thank you and God bless you.

[@JamieModelvsDirector]

I_Am TheKing'sDaughter yes

[@booboograyson1664]

Ammmmmmennnnnnn!!!!❤😍🤩

[@Kaybee70680]

Wow!!! Very plain and biblically sound!

[@ddt67]

This is a beautiful and much needed explanation of why it is so important to be equally yoked in marriage. This is a great video to share with young people who are starting to date. I would have loved this kind of knowledge when I was young and started dating.

[@awesomemarriage]

Thank you!

[@coolmoe3289]

Basically if some tells you We Are not Equally Yoked.. Look at yourself and make Self Improvements.. An Just Keep it moving.. 💯

[@awesomemarriage]

Thanks for your comment and watching!

[@tessgreen514]

This is timely. Ive been married to my husband over a year. In that time, I attended church, regularly raised my daughter in church. Before we got married I/we asked them if they would marry us. Or go through counseling etc. They answered no. Im not fully sure.. why. Now I'm looking at it and I believe and my husband says he believes bt, I dont feel he walks his talk. I try my best daily, he sees me reading God's word, I speak encouraging words to him and give him scriptures and its not met with much receiving. So I feel most times as life has been hard for me before I even got married. My family is so very important to me. My mom struggles with depression and bipolar. As well as my brother whom they both live together. So for the better part of the last 5 years. I've been trying and doing my best to help them both. It comes with heavy weights and a lot to handle. My husband has been supportive yet has fallen out and leaves me with a division to where I feel most days i have to choose between helping my family while not feeling guilty and trying to honor my husband and marriage. Its extremely difficult and I fele stuck. Before I got married I wasn't as close to God as I am now. Im learning more and more. Most days i want out. I know God can work in my husband's heart and I pray for him daily to be open to God and bring healing to his brokeneness. Im seeking God's for my own as well. Its so very hard. I dont feel like we're yoked in the way we should be. I do believe he thinks we are bt theres a big difference to believe and relationship than mere talk. I feel I'm at a loss and just dont know what to do.. i want out most days. I just dont know.. please pray for me to have open eyes and be obedient. I struggle with submitting to my husband as unto Christ when I feel his walk doesn't match his talk. I try to be an example.. yet I feel i come up empty a lot. As husband and wife I just feel like I made a huge mistake.. and i dont know what to do now.

[@awesomemarriage]

Thank you for your honest comment. We are sorry to hear you are walking through such challenges. We will be praying that your marriage will be renewed by the Holy Spirit and you will draw closer to each other as you draw near to the Lord.

[@jso3284]

I’m going through the same thing. I feel my husband goes through the motions and has not truly let God into his heart to change him from the inside.

[@elaine03812]

😢😢😢😢

[@devman2273]

This video is exactly what I needed. I was dating this girl who was going through a very tough time. Her parents had both passed away in the span of a year. I was there for her in the aftermath of all of that. She would sometimes drink, smoke club and do some other things which didn't necessarily express Christ in her living although she was a believer. One thing I regret was dating a person who I thought I could 'save' eventually as we dated. I would always get upset with her when she would go clubbing or smoke. I would question myself thinking is this the type of person I want to marry? There is no guarantee that she will change and although I can lead her to Christ it is up to her to be convicted on the same things as me. The break up was quite hurtful and I'm still recovering but something tells me I made the right decision.

[@eliherrera9550]

So true. i love this message..

[@nicholahylton8065]

Thankyou for the clarity xx

[@ivalinapasse2469]

A Great Message to have a Great Marriage. I Totally Agree Two are Better then One.

[@alizejess777]

Excellent points love this

[@debralondon2402]

Good helpful information video.

[@bellaroccisano4156]

Beautifully said ❤️

[@awesomemarriage]

Thank you for your comment and watching. We appreciate it!

[@amyrae1087]

Well said!

[@RenewalCreations]

Do they have the same values? Even if they are a believer, are you pulling in the same direction?

[@awesomemarriage]

Thanks for watching!

[@truthteller816]

Love ❤️ this video, very well said 🙏🏾

[@awesomemarriage]

Thank you for watching. We appreciate your comment.

[@naturegirl5681]

Well said

[@1love119]

This has be explained so well to my understanding thank u

[@awesomemarriage]

Thank you for watching and commenting! We appreciate it.

[@ivalinapasse2469]

Awesome Marriage when God Jehovah is involved he makes it Better in so many different ways. Love you JESUS.

[@Honestlylovely]

Beautiful delivery

[@Honestlylovely]

Husband

[@Honestlylovely]

Texas

[@Honestlylovely]

We

[@jorlove2923]

Well said.

[@awesomemarriage]

Thanks watching!

[@zamagumbi4416]

thank you

[@elaine03812]

I want a real Godly man that will truly lead me more to Christ😢 a leader and true to his word, a true follower of Christ😓

[@taurian1312]

Woh, clear explanation....

[@awesomemarriage]

Thank you for your comment. We appreciate it!

[@MsBdoll87]

This is SOOOOOOO good!!!! Definitely confirmation for me!!!

[@awesomemarriage]

Thank you for watching!

[@josephinevaldez1720]

Yes....we have no dis agreement...cause my prince supports me ,and believes what is my belief...

[@awesomemarriage]

Praise God! Thanks for watching.

[@shaneilmarshall2202]

Thank u for this

[@awesomemarriage]

Thank you for watching!

[@William264]

Very well explained. Knowledge given through obviously difficult trials in your life. Thank you for enduring and sharing what you have learned so that we can learn from you with less trial in our lives. You have truly crucified your flesh for Him and for us. Thank you for your love and your life, Jesus Christ.

[@awesomemarriage]

Thank you for watching and your comment.

[@lisettemaldonado1830]

Wow-great explanation I have ever heard! Thank you for breaking it down in words easy to understand. God bless 🙏🏼

[@awesomemarriage]

I am glad it was helpful!

[@monikaywright]

This is so true

[@awesomemarriage]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@aaronkibat]

I have been unequally yoked for nine years, please help

[@MrArt-rp8uu]

when I cross check and investigate more with another Bible version, that written on 2 Corinthians 14 who said that " Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers " that it's mean of unbelievers is referred to "among of them" and about of them it self is refer to people who not believing Jesus Christ as Almighty Lord and God also including people who confess as christian person but have been compromise with evil activity, thats why Paul said we must stay alert and not to try to making anything relation with them. Because they actually not living in side in Body of The Christ but contradictory living with evils activity, by their doing also by their said is actually picturing of devil that is oppositely with Christ. So if we join or being freinship with them , will making we agree with them. So if we believers want Holy Spirit always stay in our Heart, we must avoid them first or until they decide come to Christ and wanna changes their mind to get along with us. Is very simple just make them agree with Us first or came to us first because sickness and poornes came to them is simply not to make them suffer but also make them seeking the Truthly Truth of Jesus Christ GOD and Almighty Lord.

[@awesomemarriage]

Thank you for your comment and watching!

[@marymalloy2848]

Awesome.

[@awesomemarriage]

Thank you for sharing! We appreciate your comment.

[@katherinehendrix5325]

Ty well said! God bless you and your family!

[@awesomemarriage]

Thank you for watching!

[@bethanyroark7849]

1 Corinth 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. I am not in any way disagreeing with him because I totally think he is correct, but if you are married to a non-beleiveerr there is hope.

[@willporter3718]

Yes u must be a testimony to them .

[@rebeccabecca5607]

thank you

[@Honestlylovely]

So clear

[@Honestlylovely]

Some people are just basic

[@Honestlylovely]

My mind don’t even

[@jeanetteblackshear4721]

Thank you

[@awesomemarriage]

Thank you for watching.

[@CaNCaN-jo3sh]

Wow!

[@m.o.s.h.1836]

It is very important that both husband and wife are Bible believer or Christ follower and they let God the center of their marriage so that their relationship will be strong no matter what tough times they will be experiencing in the future because God is with them.

[@awesomemarriage]

AMEN!

[@vm8220]

It's best to always ask God to send a spouse for you. One that He has chosen for you. He knows all. I know people who have chosen child molesters, rapists, abusers and worse and didn't know and stay in denial. I didn't know because I wasn't taught this. God has revealed this to me years after starting a personal relationship with Him. He recently told me my marriage was bondage after a three day water fast he told me to do. All glory to God. God is so good. Thank you and God bless.

[@awesomemarriage]

Thank you for your comment and watching.

[@celia-bts-armyrivera7170]

This is hard as i am married, were both believers, the problem is, i dont feel like were equally yoked, yes we both believe, were both in church, However, i dont feel a Christian connection, i wanna be holy in whatever way i can, he believes he can drink a beer, listen to secular music and watch things with foul language and still live for Christ. I dont share that belief! We argue alot because i catch him doing little things(listed above) that i myself felt conviction over, So either hes really blind, or never surrendered, either way, i dont think this is what god had in mind when he said be equally yoked 💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@awesomemarriage]

Thank you for commenting! It's not easy, but instead of focusing on his actions, try to pray for him and encourage him to pray with you and alone. Encourage him to read his Bible and take positive steps in his faith. It's hard to know exactly where someone is in their faith sometimes. He may have a surprisingly deep connection to God, but the spiritual bond between you may need strengthening. However, if his connection to God isn't very strong, encouraging him to practice Christian disciplines (prayer, reading his Bible, etc) will help him strengthen that connection with God, and God will help him deal with any behaviors that aren't pleasing to Him. I hope this is helpful!

[@rosethorn2873]

You 1st need to love.. Not Against THEIR WILL.

[@awesomemarriage]

Thanks for your comment and watching.

[@porscheG56]

Having a rough time right now. I’m dating a girl who doesn’t believe. We have had a sexual relationship and we “kinda” live together, meaning I stay a few weeks at a time. We argue about what the Lord says about being gay and other beliefs that she/I have about spiritual things an the Bible. I have grown attached to her animals, to her but our relationship still feels like it has no depth. I do really like her and almost love her but these great walls stand in our way. I’ve also come to a point in my life where I really want to seek a relationship with Jesus and not just what He can do for me. I almost want her to break up with me to spare me the pain of hurting her. And I’d be so heart broken to loose the animals as stupid as it sound , I love them so much. But my heart thirst for the Lord and His righteousness. I ask that you pray for me. Pray for strength to do what’s right and follow Christ even if I loose everything I love and gain relationship with him. And to pray for her. That she walks in the light of the Lord and thirst to have a relationship with him, to know his heart, to love him and see how He loves her.

[@awesomemarriage]

I'm sorry to hear you're going through a difficult time. Your relationship with Jesus should be your number one priority. If they don't understand that I suggest reaching out to a christian counselor. Keep praying and asking God to navigate you through this challenging tine. I'll be praying for you.

[@AM-mw2wu]

It's is also important not to have sex before marriage if you're a Christian. It is a sin. Please stop if you are. If you're not yet a Christian but are being drawn in by the Holy Spirit, you will need to flee from sexual immorality. Sex before marriage is unChristian. Jesus does not approve.

[@TonyaaMarie]

Awesome advice

[@awesomemarriage]

Thank you for watching and commenting! We appreciate you.

[@jcqwater8713]

this is meanigful.

[@eiou12345]

Do not be yoked means Christians do not behave the way unbelievers do... if you have a spouse who is an unbeliever then do not behave like your spouse. If you have a friend who is an unbeliever then do not behave like your friend. Be the salt and the light and live as a Christian with any unbeliever we meet or encounter any where or place we go. In short, LOVE people and hate the sin!

[@daniapowell180]

Hallelujah 🙏🙏

[@awesomemarriage]

🙌🏻

[@michaelcampbell5568]

I am Pentecostal and I want to marry a Seventh Day Adventist is that unequally yoked?

[@awesomemarriage]

As long as you both are pursuing God, that's the most important thing. Marriage across Christian denominations isn't typically a big issue.

[@ministerfrank5970]

Ok. Well let me say something. I’m a Minister. For 20 years.. This is my testimony as a Christian. Long short… before I meet my wife I was a believer of God but I was not a Christian. My wife was a believer a Christian. Then we got marry I still was not a Christian but because I love my wife I went to church… So. Because I love my wife. She got me into believe in the true God. Because I saw Christ in her. Jesus show me him in side my wife. We Suppose to get people say every day.. even know. Believers.. wife and husband listen more then people on the street… you have more better chance to be save if your a unknown believer you as a Christian then you as a Christian trying get people save on the street

[@KevinGDividend]

I'm Christian and she is a JW, she Is willing to risk being disowned by her congregation just to be with me but then she isn't willing to be a Christian bc she always found Jehova as a JW....

[@awesomemarriage]

Thanks for watching and your comment. We are praying for your relationship.

[@kaykay7271]

How are things now ?

[@earnestlycontendingforthef5332]

A Divine urgent message from Almighty God Himself, folks: "14 Stop forming inappropriate relationships with unbelievers. Can right and wrong be partners? Can light have anything in common with darkness? 15 Can Christ agree with the devil? Can a believer share life with an unbeliever? 16 Can God's temple contain false gods? Clearly, we are the temple of the living God. As God said, “I will live and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 17 The Lord says, “Get away from unbelievers. Separate yourselves from them. Have nothing to do with anything unclean. Then I will welcome you.” 18 The Lord Almighty says, “I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (GW)

[@awesomemarriage]

Thanks for commenting.

[@earnestlycontendingforthef5332]

@@awesomemarriage You are most welcome!

[@tammymacdonald11]

What if at the time you get married, you are a believer, but do not have a relationship with God, then get married to a non believer and grow in a relationship with Christ? God says in 1Corinthians 7 Keep Your Marriage Vows 10Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. 11But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife. 12But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. 13And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. 14For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. 15But 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. 16For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife? Live as You Are Called 17But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I [a]ordain in all the churches. 18Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. 19Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. 20Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. My husband was saved through me, praise God! Because I showed him the love of Jesus and prayed for his soul. This only pertains to a God fearing man or woman if you are walking the way of Christ. Those who were not in the beginning, God can and will save you and your spouse when trouble enters your marriage. Remember, God is a jealous God. When you learn to put him first, everything else flows!🙏

[@awesomemarriage]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Jessica-ob9zp]

Glory to God.

[@jackiebays9402]

i disagree with alot thats being said.why because i going to church and paying ot tithes have not yet saved a christian marriage their are so many pastors have walked awy from their wives famed and unfamed, you can both be christians and be unequally yoked in marriage because the miinute of you stat pulling in the opposite direction as a christian husband and wife you have just become unequally yoked, paul saiid dont be unequally yoked with an unbeliever well who is the unbeliever an unbeliever do not believe in a god they dont believe god exist we are to not marry idol worshippers the worsippering of stones ,shrines buddah heads in your home.those who marry to a sinner not ian unbekiever need to know you cannot saved your husband thats God job, paul talks about the professing brothers within the body of christ those who attend curch but still practice wicknesshow about the tolerance of sin in the church like homosexuality, you have to be just as careful of who marry in the church as you are about the world,leading pastors have divorce their wives should pastors be divorcing their wives, remember paul describe himself as the chief of sinners but god saved him David a man after god heart cheayed on his wive committed murdered got the woman pregant he was a believer so dont be suprise if your christian husband mess up.paying tithes and going to church dont make a christian marriage any better then a worldly marriage they each face the same pitfalls.