Relationships

Explore all 51 articles about Relationships.

Adoption- What does the Bible have to say?

The Bible shows adoption as a powerful symbol of God's love and illustrates His grace in including us as His children. The significance of adoption calls us to care for people, especially the vulnerable; by doing so, we reflect God’s heart and the gospel’s transformative power.

Are Christians bigots?

Christians are not bigots—they are called to live with conviction and compassion. True faith shows that holding biblical convictions can coexist with kindness, respect, and a heart to restore, not harm, others.

Are men or women more valuable to God?

Men and women are of equal value before God because both are created in His image. While God gave men and women distinct roles within marriage and the family, neither men or women are more valuable than the other.

Can we choose not to love someone?

Love in the Bible isn’t just a feeling—it’s a choice to act with the same self-sacrificial love God shows us. Believers cannot choose not to love others; through His strength, we are called to love even when our feelings say otherwise.

Can we choose who we show love to?

God calls us to choose love intentionally, not just for those we like but for everyone. Loving others is an active decision that reflects God’s character and points the world to Him.

Can we talk to loved ones who have died?

Grief may tempt us to talk to loved ones who have died, but God warns us against doing this. True comfort comes from God alone, who meets our sorrow with His presence, compassion, and hope in Christ.

Does sex equal marriage? Are unmarried couples who have sex married in the eyes of God?

Having sex does not equal marriage and does not make a couple married. However, having sex is a union and has serious ramifications outside of marriage.

Does the Bible say anything about friends?

Friendships are an important part of life, and through them we can grow and learn about love, forgiveness, and grace. However, we must choose our friends wisely if we want to experience Christ-centered relationships.

Does the Bible say anything about multiculturalism?

Multiculturalism is diversity, and the Bible affirms that God created and loves people from every culture and ethnic group.

Does the Bible say anything about sex before marriage?

Sex was given as a beautiful gift for a husband and wife to enjoy within marriage. God created sex with great purposes to create life and bond together a husband and wife. Waiting to enjoy sex at the right time and in the right way is worth it.

Does the Bible talk about dating / courting?

The words "dating" or "courting" do not appear in the Bible, but God's Word provides us with much wisdom regarding premarital relationships.

Forgiveness-What is it?

Forgiveness isn’t pretending a hurt didn’t happen—it’s trusting God with the response. Forgiven by Christ, believers can live in the freedom that comes from forgiveness, whether an apology is given or not.

How can I deal with a difficult mother-in-law?

Mother-in-laws can be a gift, but a difficult mother-in-law can cause many conflicts in a marriage. A couple must take proactive measures to prioritize and protect their marriage while also extending love and forgiveness toward a difficult mother-in-law.

How can I find comfort and peace when a loved one has died?

Real peace in grief isn’t found in having answers—it’s found in trusting a God who is near, good, and in control. As we lean on His promises and His people, sorrow doesn’t disappear, but it no longer carries us alone.

How can I heal from a broken heart / heartbreak?

Heartbreak from loss, disappointment, or unmet dreams can feel crushing, but God offers true comfort and healing for our wounded hearts. Turning to Him, we find restoration, hope, and the assurance that His love never fails.

How can I heal from the hurt of a broken relationship?

Although broken relationships can be very painful, we can follow Christ’s example and extend grace and forgiveness to those who hurt us.

How can I overcome social anxiety?

Social anxiety is a struggle rooted in fear of others’ judgment. When you anchor your worth in Christ and rely on the Spirit, you can face interactions with confidence and peace.

How do you forgive someone who has not apologized?

Forgiveness doesn’t wait for another person to apologize—it releases their offense to God and refuses to be ruled by bitterness or revenge. Even when the offender doesn't make the wrong right by apologizing, we can trust God’s justice and choose to forgive (but not forget) anyway.

How important is physical attraction when looking for a spouse?

While physical attraction is important when looking for a spouse, it is not most important. Instead of only focusing on physical attraction, we should focus on the true beauty of a person’s heart and character.

How should a Christian handle conflict?

Christians should handle conflict with humility, patience, and love, seeking reconciliation, rather than trying to “win.” By handling conflict with the truth in love, we can turn tense situations into opportunities for growth, understanding, and stronger relationships.

I lost a loved one. How can the Bible comfort me?

The loss of a loved one is among the most difficult situations a person can face. The Bible offers words of encouragement for those facing the grief associated with the loss of a loved one.

Is same-sex attraction sinful?

Same-sex attraction is sinful according to the Bible. While attraction and desire are powerful, God gives us the power to live for Him instead of succumbing to societal pressures or inclinations.

Is the concept of soulmates biblical?

The idea that God has designated a specific spouse for each person or that everyone has a "soulmate" who is a "perfect fit" for them is not biblical. Many times, even when their circumstances are not ideal, people choose to unite in a godly marriage.

Is there a difference between fornication and adultery?

Fornication is any sexual activity outside of marriage; all adultery is fornication, but not all fornication is adultery. While fornication and adultery are sinful, God provides forgiveness for those who repent and trust in Him.

Should Christians date or marry non-Christians?

An unequally yoked relationship with an unbeliever will ultimately draw a believer away from godliness. While dating or marrying an unbeliever might be tempting, we must remember that rejecting God as our primary source of wisdom in choosing a life partner will come at a painfully high cost.

Should Christians have close friendships with unbelievers?

Jesus was a friend to sinners. We, too, should build friendships with unbelievers, but we need to be wise about the impact they have on our lives.

Should Christians have gay friends? Is it okay for Christians to have gay friends?

Christians can be friends with gay people—loving, caring, and walking alongside them—without compromising God’s truth. True friendship points everyone toward hope, restoration, and life in Christ.

Should a Christian woman work outside the home?

The Bible does not prevent a Christian woman from working outside the home. A Christian woman is called to glorify God and manage her household, whether she works outside the home or only in the home.

Should a married person have a close friend of the opposite sex?

Opposite sex relationships can be beneficial within proper boundaries. Married people with friends of the opposite sex should reflect love, purity, and respect, while investing in and prioritizing their marriage.

Should we forgive others when they sin against us?

Christians are called to forgive others as God has forgiven them—offering full forgiveness to those who repent while refusing to carry bitterness toward those who do not. True forgiveness leads to restoration only when there is repentance.

Should we forgive people who don’t ask for forgiveness?

Even if someone never asks for forgiveness, the Bible calls us to forgive as an act of grace rooted in God’s mercy toward us. Forgiveness frees us from bitterness, entrusts justice to God, and reflects the heart of Christ.

Soul ties – What does the Bible say?

A "soul tie" is a connection between two people often used to justify an ungodly relationship. Soul ties are not biblical; instead, commitment to love is far more important than mystical bonds formed between two people.

What are appropriate boundaries in dating?

While dating was not a practice in biblical times, we must date in ways that reflect purity, respect, and the sacredness of marriage. Guarding our hearts, embracing God's design for love, and setting boundaries that honor God and the other person lays a foundation for a lasting commitment within the parameters God has set for us.

What are the five love languages?

The five love languages describe five primary ways people receive and express love.

What comfort is there after the death of an unsaved loved one?

We can come to God in our grief after the death of an unsaved loved one and find that He is near to the brokenhearted. The death of an unsaved loved one also calls us to find comfort in the fact that God pursues each person for salvation.

What does it mean that we should forgive seventy-times seven?

The call to forgive “seventy-seven times” means there is no limit to how often we should forgive a repentant individual. We are to reflect God's character by continually and freely forgiving others.

What does the Bible say about a Christian staying single?

While both singleness and marriage are gifts from God, singleness gives us the opportunity to devote undivided attention to our relationship with God.

What does the Bible say about engagement?

Engagement is a time of preparation before entering the covenant of marriage. Engagements that center on Christ and upholding marriage equip a couple to enter into a marriage well.

What does the Bible say about falling in love?

Falling in love is not something the Bible explicitly mentions, but the Bible has examples of love stories and passages that define what true love looks like, as well as passages of failed love relationships.

What does the Bible say about orphans and widows?

God calls us to care for and protect orphans and widows. Caring for the vulnerable reflects His heart and reminds us that He cares for each of us.

What does the Bible say about trusting others?

While our ultimate trust belongs to God, the Bible encourages building close, trusting relationships with fellow believers using godly discernment and wisdom. We must balance openness with caution, relying on God’s guidance to navigate whom and how much to trust.

What does the Bible teach about authority?

All authority comes from God, who is above all things. We are to submit to authority, trusting that God is in control and that authority is for our good.

What is a biblical definition of true friendship?

Throughout Scripture, true friendship is characterized by love. A true friend loves, gives wise counsel, remains loyal, forgives, promotes the other's welfare, and points their friends to God.

What is a biblical level of intimacy before marriage?

. Intimacy means to be close to someone else and includes being emotionally, spiritually, and/or physically connected to someone else. Couples should be intentional about pursuing appropriate levels of intimacy—physical, emotional, and spiritual—before marriage

What is a biblical perspective on verbal abuse?

Verbal abuse is a sin. Our speech—both our actual words and the way in which we communicate them—reflects our hearts and has meaningful impact on others. We are accountable for our communication; as believers, we need to ensure our speech upholds the truth and love of God.

What is a biblical view of prenuptial agreements?

Prenuptial agreements are similar to the bride price, which was paid to the bride’s father or male relative. God is concerned with the rights and protection of the vulnerable, and the Bible does not reject prenuptial agreements if understood biblically.

What is a godparent? Does the Bible say anything about being a godparent (God-parent)?

Although godparenting, in its traditional sense, is unbiblical, today, godparenting is a wonderful opportunity to mentor and disciple young people.

What is the key to evangelizing friends and family without offending them?

Although evangelizing friends and family can be a difficult process, we must display Christ’s love to them, pray for them, be bold in sharing our faith, and rely on God to save them through His power.

What makes for a good accountability partner?

Accountability partners help us in our walk with the Lord, spurring us on to love and good deeds, helping us through difficulties and sin, and pointing us to the truth of God’s Word. Good accountability partners have a vibrant faith, know God’s Word, and are willing to speak the truth in love.

What should Christians do when they have disputes (Matthew 18:15–17)?

When disputes happen between believers, we must put our pride aside and seek Christ-centered reconciliation. Christians will face conflicts, but there's always room for repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Why are good role models important?

Role models are people in our lives that we admire and look up to. Godly, wisely-chosen role models have great influence in our Christian lives and can help us grow deeper in our faith.