Love is Blind: The Importance of Faith in Dating

OK, how many of you have watched the popular show, Love is Blind on Netflix?

The hit #Netflix show, β€œLove is Blind” called into question the importance of a shared #religion in #marriage. Can a β€œcompromise” ever really be reached? Let’s discuss. #Catholic #love #loveisblind #Dating #relationships #faith #god

It’s in its second season. And WOW – what a fascinating show concept.

I’m going to give you a quick overview if you’ve never watched.

The hit #Netflix show, β€œLove is Blind” called into question the importance of a shared #religion in #marriage. Can a β€œcompromise” ever really be reached? Let’s discuss. #Catholic #love #loveisblind #Dating #relationships #faith #god

Basically, it’s a dating experiment where 13 single men and and 13 single women date each other and fall in love, sight unseen.

The hit #Netflix show, β€œLove is Blind” called into question the importance of a shared #religion in #marriage. Can a β€œcompromise” ever really be reached? Let’s discuss. #Catholic #love #loveisblind #Dating #relationships #faith #god

They go on dates in “pods” where there’s a wall separating two rooms, where they spend hours and hours talking and getting to know one another without actually seeing the other person.

The hit #Netflix show, β€œLove is Blind” called into question the importance of a shared #religion in #marriage. Can a β€œcompromise” ever really be reached? Let’s discuss. #Catholic #love #loveisblind #Dating #relationships #faith #god

The point of the show is that they get engaged without actually seeing one another. And only AFTER the proposal/engagement, is there the “big reveal” where they get to see their now fiancΓ©. From there, they go on a Mexican vacation, live for a week in an apartment in the “real world” and then have a wedding after just 2 weeks of knowing each other. And only on the altar, do they finally say “I do” or “I don’t.”

Basically, the point of the show is to answer the age old question, is love blind?

It’s wildly addictive, and highly fascinating.

And fun fact, there are still couples from season one that are happily married after 3 years!

*Warning, there’s a minor spoiler for season two ahead.* – (Although, the final episode is set to air later this week, so the spoiler is only what’s happened up until now.)

This season, there was one couple, Shaina and Kyle, who met in the pods, fell in love, he proposed, she said yes…even wore his mother’s engagement ring.

But here’s the catch: she’s a Christian. He’s an atheist.

The hit #Netflix show, β€œLove is Blind” called into question the importance of a shared #religion in #marriage. Can a β€œcompromise” ever really be reached? Let’s discuss. #Catholic #love #loveisblind #Dating #relationships #faith #god

And that conflict of belief led to some really interesting, — and emotionally painful — conversations between the two on the show. (Although, her communication skills were a bit lacking and juvenile, to be honest.)

In the end, SPOILER, she ends up giving him the ring back and leaving the show, because, though he was willing to try and make it work, despite their religious differences, she needed her husband to be the “spiritual leader” of their future family. She knew that marrying someone who — not only didn’t believe in God, but wasn’t willing to even explore the possibility of God — was a road to disaster.

But watching this all unfold on a global platform like Netflix, it brought about a really interesting conversation about the importance of faith in dating, and ultimately marriage. And watching this show with my man, it has definitely sparked some great conversations between the two of us.

I’m going to be honest — and perhaps I shouldn’t be sharing this — but I’ve spent the last two weekends with my handsome gentleman trying on – for fun – sparkly adornments for the fourth finger on my left hand. πŸ˜‰ So…clearly, I have been doing a lot of thinking about marriage these days.

The hit #Netflix show, β€œLove is Blind” called into question the importance of a shared #religion in #marriage. Can a β€œcompromise” ever really be reached? Let’s discuss. #Catholic #love #loveisblind #Dating #relationships #faith #god

And particularly, what marriage means when it comes to a couple. Because, as we saw on Love is Blind, religion was absolutely a “make or break” for this couple.

And without hesitation, I wholeheartedly agree with Shaina — it’s an absolute non-negotiable for marriage.

Why? Because of the purpose of marriage.

One thing that I hate about these dating and marriage reality shows, is how much importance they put on the dress, and the flowers and the guest lists and the actual wedding day…while always overlooking the actual marriage. Because at the end of the day, all those aforementioned things are secondary to what you’re actually celebrating at a wedding: the union of a man and a woman before God.

And when it comes to the purpose of marriage — faith is something that you and your partner simply have to be on the same page with. Because the true purpose of marriage is to help get your spouse to Heaven. And vice versa.

But it goes much deeper than that. Because also, through the vocation of marriage, together, you help the other become the person God created him or her to be. It is the beautiful fulfillment of a higher calling.

And sure, I know that’s looking through pretty thick rose colored glasses, but when it comes right down to it, having that foundation of Christ as the bedrock of your relationship…it’s unshakable.

And when you think about bringing kids into the picture, and how you’ll raise them…seeing eye to eye on religion is simply critical.

In the show, Kyle couldn’t understand Shaina’s unwillingness to “compromise” on their religious differences, like he was willing to compromise. He just didn’t get that for Christians, every single decision, outlook, thought process comes back to Christ. It is woven into every facet of life. We simply cannot compromise on God. Period.

And sure, I know that for many couples, they have found a way to make their religious differences work. And to that I say, β€œGood on them!” I can only imagine the spiritual and emotional strength it takes to walk that road.

This weekend, my handsome gentleman and I went to Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, and sitting there in that beautiful Church, listening to the ethereal music, and being surrounded in a divine “hug” of candlelight, incense, Scripture and all the magnificent architecture in that old Cathedral, I found myself thanking God for sending me such a wonderful man of God. I found myself so grateful to be sitting there with him, together sharing our love for God in worship at Mass.

The hit #Netflix show, β€œLove is Blind” called into question the importance of a shared #religion in #marriage. Can a β€œcompromise” ever really be reached? Let’s discuss. #Catholic #love #loveisblind #Dating #relationships #faith #god

He pushes me to be the best version of myself. He inspires me to grow in my walk with God. And for that, I am so thankful. And I can’t imagine not being able to share that spiritual intimacy with the person I love.

The hit #Netflix show, β€œLove is Blind” called into question the importance of a shared #religion in #marriage. Can a β€œcompromise” ever really be reached? Let’s discuss. #Catholic #love #loveisblind #Dating #relationships #faith #god

Love is Blind, though a “trashy reality show” — it did bring light to something that society finds hard to believe “still matters” — Kyle’s words. “Woke culture” gawks to believe that there are still people “so small minded” to believe in God, but the fact is…it’s a huge deal when it comes to a Christian marriage.

And good for Love is Blind for presenting it in a judgment-free way, free from any belittling tone or attitude.

Because it matters. A lot. To a lot of people.

The hit #Netflix show, β€œLove is Blind” called into question the importance of a shared #religion in #marriage. Can a β€œcompromise” ever really be reached? Let’s discuss. #Catholic #love #loveisblind #Dating #relationships #faith #god

What do you think? Obviously as a young woman who isn’t even engaged, my thoughts on the importance of faith in a relationship comes only from what I have witnessed in my own life, and learned through the Church. Clearly there are ups and downs and lessons in marriage that can only be learned through trial by fire. But I would love to know what experiences you’ve had with this, and if you think religion is a “make or break” in a healthy marriage.

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74 responses to “Love is Blind: The Importance of Faith in Dating”

  1. Love your thoughts on marriage, Caralyn! As a pastor, I totally agree that faith is important in marriage and would counsel engaged couples who don’t share the same faith to think hard before stepping into marriage. Unfortunately, the world does not value marriage the way we, as Christians do.

    • Hi Roy, thank you for sharing your thoughts on that! I love hearing your perspective as a pastor! so true — it’s a super tough thing, because love is a powerful force, but truly being aligned on such a massively important (and eternally important) topic is truly necessary. Hugs and love xox

  2. Wow, I applaud the woman for breaking things off with the atheist guy. Unequally yoked doesn’t work in my view but then I shouldn’t talk at all about this subject being 3 times divorced. I’m petrified of any kind of relationship now. It’s wonderful that you’ve considered rings! I’m very happy for you guys! ❀️

    • Hi John, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this! yes, love is a hard thing to break off, but i agree, I think she made the right choice. and that’s not say the guy is a bad guy!! but being aligned on such a massively and eternally important issue in a union is of top priority. it will be better for both in the long run. And thank you for sharing your story. I can definitely understand the apprehension in diving into another relationship. I will be praying for you, my friend! God’s plans are always surprising, and always in His perfect timing. I will say this — any woman would be lucky to be in your sights! πŸ™‚ Thank you, John. You’re a great friend. Hugs and love xox

  3. Marriage is such a fulfilling and soul stretching journey. You know more than you profess, Caralyn. You’ve been on a soul stretching journey already. And yes, a relationship with and faith in Christ make every part of marriage work wellβ€”even the disagreements because you learn (if you are open to reality and God) that you always have more to learn. That’s what makes it exciting! I’m happy to support your journey!

    • Hi Amy, thank you so much for this beautiful reflection. “You learn there’s always more to learn” amen!!! that is so true for life in general too. Ah, I so appreciate you sharing your wisdom with me! I’m soaking it up like a sponge! πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚ Hugs and love xox

  4. Well, I don’t think love is “blind” but I understand the sentiment.

    4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13

    Love that is sustained by faith is the “love that never fails.” (v.8) If one has faith, but the other doesn’t, it will become an issue if the one never believes.

    • Hi Myron, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this! Yes! Oh how I love that passage. It is just a balm for the heart and soul. And that’s a fact right there – it will always be an issue, even if pushed to the back of mind, there will always be that underlying conflict of spirit that i can only imagine is wearing on the soul. glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

    • oh praise God!!!!!!!! Thank you David for filling me in!! I texted him, and am so relieved to hear he’s on the up and up. God is good!!! have a great night my friend. Hugs and love xox

  5. Well …. I’ll tell you this as a practicing Catholic:

    1) My first husband was Catholic and he was abusive and awful.
    2) My second husband is agnostic. 13 years and still going strong.

    So obviously there’s more to marriage than agreeing on religion!

    I think if you’re getting married with no kids to start with, you probably have to agree not just on religion, but on how religious you’ll be when raising the kids, what liturgical living looks like in your house – you’ll have to agree on a LOT of different points to minimize conflict, just because you don’t know how you’ll feel about religion + kids until you have them, and you just don’t know how you’ll feel about any compromise ahead of time.

    If you already have kids (as I did), in many ways it’s a lot easier. I got to say to my husband, “I’m Catholic and I’m raising the kids this way. I don’t need you to help but I do need you to not undermine me.” So we basically have a non-aggression pact when it comes to religion.

    I know that sounds kinda sad, but I promise it’s not – I would rather be married to my husband than any Catholic out there because my husband is 100% The One for me.

    • Hi Athena, thank you so much for sharing your story! I’m glad that you’ve found a loving and supportive husband! that makes my heart so happy for you! That is some *wise advice* about kids, and definitely inspires me to have a conversation about that going forward. Because you’re right – communication about that matters, because kids are a big deal. And like you said, being on the same page going ito it is the best possible scenario. So glad you stopped by!! and yay for finding The One! Hugs and love xox

  6. For real, though – how do you get engaged to someone who exhibits one of your deal-breakers? Not saying there’s anything wrong with her or him but just seems like an incompatibility that should have been blindingly obvious within the first hour.

    • That’s so true. So so true – that should have been a first-hour conversation ender and relationship full stop. Amen – Neither is a bad person for holding their beliefs, but it just could have saved a lot of heartache if they would have had those difficult conversations at the jump.

  7. I don’t think I could be in an LTR with someone who wasn’t Jewish (that does not necessarily mean religious/practicing). I get what you’re saying…

    • Hi Paula, thank you so much for sharing your heart on this. You’re so right – that foundation of a religious belief is fundamental in a committed relationship. Even just knowing that they’re on the same page, or at least not butting heads. Crucial!! Hugs and love xox

  8. I thought AthenaC said things very well. Labels are just that “Labels”. I have in my time been romantically involved with men from a variety of religions, including a guy who trained to be a Catholic priest. My most nightmarish experience was with a guy who was wearing a cross round his neck, when I met him. That is not to say he actually was a Christian. I actually closed my mind to getting seriously involved with a Catholic. He went on to train as a priest. It is a decision I sometimes regret. My dear Catholic friend had a very happy “mixed” marriage. One of my happiest relationships was with a non-Christian. I have no problems with a sincere atheist. My uncle having been through a Japanese prisoner of war camp and spending a year in hospital as a result, was one. He was an incredible man, who was a model of and forgiveness, I can never hope to match. He never bore the Japanese people any ill will and even visited Japan. We are here to learn in my view. I think it did me good to get out of my comfort zone and my happiest relationship was with a guy from a completely different religion.

    • Thank you so much for sharing your heart and your story. I agree – AthenaC was incredibly articulate and had wonderful points. I love that you said, “We are here to learn.” I so fully agree to that. I was very moved by your Uncle’s story, gosh I am so sorry that he had to endure that. It sounds like he is an incredible man. Hugs and love xox

  9. Hi Caralyn. I totally agree with the premise of your post. “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” 2 corinthians 6:14.

    That being said, the purpose of marriage isn’t to get your spouse to heaven. That resides with Christ alone and whether your spouse has truly believed in Him, has surrendered to Him, and been redeemed by Him, and that happens before they become your spouse. I highly recommend that one of the first things two dating people discuss, even on a first date, is how each of them came to know and surrender to Christ as their Savior. Otherwise, why would you continue to work on a relationship with someone when you aren’t sure they are truly a believer?

    I also totally agree with what you said here: “…through the vocation of marriage, together, you help the other become the person God created him or her to be. It is the beautiful fulfillment of a higher calling.” That is exactly right. God puts two people together and wants to accomplish His will through them as a couple. It is truly a beautiful thing to behold.

    I still hope and pray that God will bring someone special to me, someone of His choosing. To that end, I pray each day for her, asking God to be sure she knows Him, and that He increases her desire for Him, His word, and a deeper walk with Him. I also ask that He help her hear His voice and truly desire to do what He says, even when she doesn’t understand, knowing it’s best. And I pray she’s asking Him for the same for me. Then when He brings us together, we can fulfill His purpose for our lives, together. To me, that will start heaven before we get there.

    Have a wonderful week! πŸ€—πŸ™

    • Hi Kenneth, thank you so much for this beautiful response. amen to that – I believe it is a teamwork, where two people are journeying towards Heaven together, and helping one another along the way. Yes! I think that is so marvelous to think about God bringing two people together to accomplish His will. and Gosh, Kenneth – that is such a powerful and beautiful prayer for your future wife. You have such a pure heart, and I know that God is preparing her heart in this moment, as He has also very clearly prepared yours. I have witnessed, just from our friendship, the truth in that. Praying that God’s timing is soon for you!!! πŸ™‚ So glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

  10. I’ve never heard of this show and it sounds like something I’d get high blood pressure over… ha.

    Hard decision for her, but I believe she made the right one. GOOD FOR HER for standing up for her faith under that much pressure! She knows what she is waiting for and she will be blessed.

    She knows with her beliefs she would never be able to submit to her husband as a true Christian.

    Also, YAYYYY for you for trying on different rings for your fourth finger. πŸ˜‰ I cannot wait to read about your future story!! <3

    • Hi Aime, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. Hahah oh yes — high blood pressure for sure! Thank goodness it’s on Netflix, because with the cliff hangers, I wouldn’t be able to wait for a week-to-week. Actually, they’ve taken a week – or – so break before releasing the season finale, so we’re having to sit at a cliff hanger, and I think I’m losing sleep over it! haha juuuust kidding, but I do really want to know who is going to make it to the altar!!! it’s very smartly written. And I agree – GOOD FOR HER, especially on national television, with – I’m sure – producers in her ears pressuring her to stay on the show. And amen – God has someone waiting for her, that we know is true. And haha thank you!! Yeah, last weekend was truly exciting. Definitely has me on cloud nine!!! πŸ™‚ so glad you stopped by! i hope you have a wonderful evening! Hugs and love xox

  11. I agree with everything you say… and I can’t help but think it might have cost me my chance to ever meet someone, but this is non-negotiable for every reason you say.

    Related… the last couple weeks, I’ve been binge-watching a sitcom from the recent past. (In fact, I’m watching it right now. And I won’t name it, because I don’t want to color your opinion of it, if you have one.) When I met the people from my current friend circle (the ones who have mostly all moved away now), they were all obsessed with this show. I watched it off and on for maybe a year after that. I really liked the storytelling, and it definitely had its funny moments. But I just got tired of the way these characters were so morally depraved, how so much of the story revolved around them lying, scheming, misleading, etc. to get into bed with a revolving door of people they just met. I’m about halfway through the very long series now, and I’m committed to seeing this through this time because I’m not a quitter. But I still feel the same way. I enjoy the storytelling, and I’ve gotten some good laughs out of it, but these people live lives so devoid of meaning… and the saddest thing about it is how many people in real life live the same way.

    • Hi Greg! thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this! oh the moral depravity that’s glamorized and glorified on TV these days. I promise, no judgement here. And just a note: I don’t think that’s cost you, my friend. God’s timing is everything, and sometimes the patience it brings about can seem like a lifetime, but I do believe that God has someone out there for you! Not compromising is the key, because God Himself cannot be compromised! πŸ™‚ And I fully believe He will reward you in that. so glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

  12. Reading the story about what happened on the show, it sounds like the topic of faith should have come up quite a lot sooner, rather than after the engagement. I’ve never seen the show. It sounds like the good concept that takes away the superficial and gives a chance to those who are aesthetically challenged like myself.
    But frankly, I don’t think that I can go through with such a task. Getting engaged to someone you’ve never seen? No..
    Granted there are people who do fall in love with someone they communicate with via letters and emails, etc. If that wasn’t the case, then all the romantic movies are simply.. pointless fiction.

    I do disagree with your premise that the point of marriage is to get our spouse to Heaven. Marriage was created by God to keep the act of procreation and relationships sacred.
    Later it was used as a tool to unite tribes, a way to gain prominence, wealth, etc. Hence you hear of the idea of arranged marriages, etc.
    The modern idea of marrying someone for love is purely from the fairy tales. But that is the dream right now and has given way to a concept of marriage that is flimsy at best. This whole idea that you can divorce someone for any crazy reason.

    The idea of marriage isn’t to change the person to be the best that he/she is supposed to be. So many times I hear this from ladies. Ladies, if you’re whole point is to get a man and clean up the rough edges, then I’m really doubting that you really loved the person at all.
    The point of marriage is to show your commitment to loving and caring for each other for the rest of your lives; changing, because you want to, inspiring each other to become the best versions of yourselves.

    I think that couple should make their relationships big enough for God to fit in, realizing that you can love someone completely and unconditionally only if you have God by your side; holding you two together.

    • Hi friend, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this! You’re right – definitely should have been something that should have been parsed out long before the engagement. Because it is the make or break. And I agree – marriage – or any relationship – is certainly not about changing your partner. Heavens, no. We can only support who they are in the here and now, and support them in their relationship with the Lord, as they hopefully do the same for you. And amen to that! I’m giving a standing ovation to that last paragraph! Big enough for God to fit in!! ONLY IF! Amen!!! glad you stopped by. Hugs and love xox

  13. 1. The Anglican Church of Canada affirms, according to our Lord’steaching asfound in Holy Scripture and expressed
    in the Form of Solemnization of Matrimony in the Book of Common Prayer, that marriage is a lifelong union in
    faithful love, and that marriage vows are a commitment to this union, for better or for worse, to the exclusion
    of all others on either side. This union is established by God’s grace when two duly qualified persons enter into
    a covenant of marriage in which they declare their intention of fulfilling its purposes and exchange vows to be
    faithful to one another until they are separated by death. The purposes of marriage are mutual fellowship, support, and comfort, and the procreation (if it may be) and nurture of children, and the creation of a relationship in
    which sexuality may serve personal fulfilment in a community of faithful love. This covenant is made in the sight
    of God and in the presence of witnesses and of an authorized minister.
    2. The Church affirms in like manner the goodness of the union of man and woman in marriage, this
    being of God’s creation.1 Marriage also is exalted as a sign2
    of the redeeming purpose of God to unite
    all things in Christ,3
    the purpose made known in the reunion of divided humanity in the Church.4
    1. Cf. Gen. 1:27–31
    2. Eph. 5:31f.
    3. Eph. 1:9f.
    4. Eph. 2:11–16

    Patricia and I had a church wedding and were always happy about that. She converted to my faith (She was a Baptist ) and I like to believe she is still an Anglican in Heaven.

    • Thank you so much for sharing that! Sounds like they’ve got it right! And that’s so beautiful. It sounds like Patricia loved you very deeply. πŸ™‚ Hugs and love xox

  14. Thank you for mentioning this series, I think I will check this out with my wife as it will be very interesting. Funny story of my wife and I, we never even spoke much before w started dating! I was in a dark place and was considering leaving Portugal and going back to England, however, the Bishop of my church here said that God has a great woman for me and she is already at the church… A few months later I was with this lady and a couple years later we got married. God has the perfect partner for each of us! God bless 😊

    • Thank you so much! Oh yes – it was a fascinating show, through and through. And it sparked some really interesting conversation topic between me and my handsome gentleman! Really!? Oh wow that is quite the story. Sounds like your Bishop was a smart man, and quite the matchmaker! πŸ™‚ that’s such a beautiful story, thank you for sharing that with me. I always believe that when godly people try and “set you up” with someone they hold in high esteem, it’s absolutely worth paying attention to!!! Hugs and love xox

      • Will definitely check it out! You are welcome, have a nice week. Love and God bless 😊

  15. Great post! Yes, I totally believe that we should not marry someone who doesn’t share our faith.

  16. This is quite interesting for me as a single person who is also a Christian.I am proud of that lady who turned away from the atheist.The Bible says,”do not yoke with unbelievers”.
    Thank you for sharing.

    • Thank you so much Stella! You’re absolutely right – What Jesus says, goes!! Faith is such a huge life foundation…heck, it IS a Christian’s life foundation. There’s just no way NOT to be on the same page with your spouse when it comes to something that eternally important. Hugs and love xox

  17. My wife and I had a long distance relationship before we ever got engaged. We talked on the phone and wrote lengthy cards and letters. Yes, this was in the days before the Internet. While problematic, I think this helped us immensely in dealing with stress and turmoil that would come later. We knew what the other was about and what we wanted before we ever walked down the aisle. We were equipped to handle “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.” As far as faith goes, I was not Catholic before I married, but I was Christian and I knew what my wife’s faith meant to her. The end of the day, I think marriage comes down to one key question: do you love the other person enough to put them first, to put their wants and needs before your own.

    • Thank you so much Brian for sharing your story! It sounds like you and your wife have such a special story! — and great communication! So beautiful. Wow, what a beautiful last sentiment about marriage. Gave me chills!!! So true! Hugs and love xox

  18. As a child of a Christian and a non-Christian, I believe it is very important to have your religious beliefs line up with your future spouses. There was a lot of unnecessary suffering caused by their differing beliefs and confusion about what we as children were supposed to believe in because which parent do you believe. You should try to find someone with similar beliefs in religion, politics, and lifestyle (athlete vs. couch potato) etc…because if you don’t it will probably come back to bite you later. But unfortunately a lot of people who are dating seem to be more interested in looks and feelings.

    • Thank you so much for sharing your heart and your story! I’m sorry that you experienced the struggle and confusion of that non-alignment. I can only imagine the emotional stress that put you under as a child. I completely agree — matching lifestyles and beliefs are a huge thing to be in alignment on! And that’s true — love is a powerful force — on that causes us to overlook a lot of those things. so glad you stopped by. Hugs and love xox

  19. Beautifully written article! We did Marriage Prep for couples planning to get married in the Catholic Church.

    It’s interesting how many couples do not communicate about basic topics; finances, having children, division of household duties, not to mention religion & one’s faith.

    • Thank you so much for sharing your heart on this! So true! I am so glad that the Church has marriage prep, because – just as you said – there are HUGE topics that just simply get overlooked when you’re in puppy love! haha so glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

  20. Hmm, the true purpose of marriage is not to get your spouse to Heaven. Only he/she can decide that, and only Jesus can accomplish that.
    As Eggerichs in “Love and Respect,” Chapman in “The 5 Love Languages” and Harley in “His Needs, Her Needs” all express, marriage is a relationship designed by The Designer for the purpose of reflecting our relationship with Him.
    After 31 years of learning the “ups and downs and lessons in marriage that can only be learned through trial by fire,” I can assure you that the commitment to the marriage is what will see you through those trials.
    β€œIt is not your love that sustains the marriage, but from now on, the marriage that sustains your love.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer, writing to a young bride and groom from his prison cell in Nazi Germany in 1943.

    Someone else wisely said, “A man marries thinking his wife will never change; a woman marries thinking her husband will change; both are going to be very disappointed.” πŸ˜…
    ❀️&πŸ™, c.a.
    (and I will pray for wisdom for you in choosing what to watch on tv! πŸ˜‚)

    • In the Catholic Church, the true purpose of marriage is to procreate AND to get your family to Heaven. You must help each other live a spiritual life that will end in both of you going to Heaven. We are here on earth to love and glorify God and to lead others to God. Yes, your spouse makes his or her own choices, but you have the responsibility to lead by example and do all you can to get them to Heaven by making the right choices

      • Hi Amy! Thank you for such a beautiful response! Amen to that! Raising a little army of believers is ABSOLUTELY on that list! I am truly so moved by your words. I am in 100% agreement — you both (and your family) are journey towards Heaven on the same path, helping each other along the way. It is such a beautiful thing to think about, it makes my heart so warm. Gosh. God is good. Thank you for sharing your heart!! so glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

    • Hi CA! I loved reading your response! Thank you for sharing your heart on this. Oh I love that — marriage reflects our relationship with Him. Oh how beautiful is that sentiment. and so true! And wow – 31 years! That is so beautiful, and truly something to celebrate! the commitment to the marriage — making mental note of that. the marriage that sustains your love. Oh wow, how powerful. And amen to that – you’ve gotta love the person in the here and now, no matter if they change or don’t change!! πŸ™‚ And gosh, thank you for that prayer! clearly I need it!! hahah I should just stick with Rick Steve’s travel documentaries! haha glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

  21. Yes, Caralyn, you are 100% correct! And you gave me goosebumps thinking about you trying on rings. Good luck and many blessings to you both on your journey, wherever it may lead.

    • Aw, thank you Amy!!! BTW, I absolutely *loved* your other comment. πŸ™‚ And haha YES!! Last weekend was so very exciting. I’m trying not to get too ahead of myself, of course, but the dreaming sure is fun! πŸ™‚ All I know is that I’m really grateful that God brought this man into my life. I’ve actually known him for NINE YEARS as a friend in the same friend group. Who, funny enough, the first night I met him back in 2013, I went up to him and complimented him on the scapular he was wearing. hahhahah!! What an opening line, huh? I called my mom later that night and said, “Mom, I met the *cutest* catholic guy!” haha funny how things work out, huh?

  22. I agree with you Caralyn, this is very important. My late husband and I were both Christians when we married and that made our marriage more binding to us. I think that having the same religious beliefs is primary in having a good marital relationship.

    • Thank you so much Tammy! I’m so glad this hit home with you!! amen to that. aw, you’re so kind to say that! Sending so much love and hugs! I always love seeing your name pop up in my notifications! πŸ™‚ Hugs and love xox

  23. After forty-seven years of marriage, I can say without fear of contradiction that marriage should not be built upon empty feelings but a commitment to love through the worse that the world, the flesh, and the devil can throw at you. The Christian is under obligation to remain separate from a person that does not profess the Christian faith by word and practice. My prayers to all who are contemplating deviating from what I have just written.

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