January 18, 2023
Christian dating is hard enough without having to consider race. But with false bible interpretations used to justify racism, it can be confusing whether or not the bible actually has something to say about race and interracial dating.
While the bible has plenty to say about love and relationships, it’s important to understand that many people misinterpreted some of its verses in order to practice racism.
Such individuals tend to assume that the Bible must be racist because we’ve been taught that the scriptures were written by a bunch of men with the same skin color. They also claim that the Bible says that there is no such thing as interracial marriage. But this is simply not true. In fact, the Bible talks about interracial marriage in referencing the marriage of Moses.
When you really dig into the history of the Bible and carefully examine the scripture, you’ll find that a lot of the teachings aren’t racist. They’ve just been misunderstood by some people.
So, what are the facts about interracial dating in the Bible? Where in the Bible does it say it is okay to date and marry outside your race?
It’s time we cover just the facts! Let’s take a look together.
When talking about interracial marriages, there are a few passages that make the rounds. But the most frequently quoted to either justify racism or condemn interracial marriage are verses in Deuteronomy and Corinthians.
(7 Deuteronomy 7:3-4) You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, for they would turn away your sons from following me, to serve other gods. Then the anger of the Lord would be kindled against you, and he would destroy you quickly.
This is an Old Testament law that forbade Israelites from marrying other races. But, as you’ll notice is a common theme, it had nothing to do with ethnicity and everything to do with religious practices.
Here, they were forbidden from marrying outside their religion. It was done to preserve the souls of God’s followers and to keep them from being led astray as they are in Malachi 2:11. Skin color was never a consideration in this law.
(2 Corinthians 6:14) Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
Again, this verse refers to religion and not race. It tells Christians not to marry into other religious practices. Instead, foster companionship with some that have the same spiritual values.
While there are ways to manage a marriage when your spouse isn’t a Christian, God wanted us to marry other Christians because it would strengthen our belief. That’s why verses like the above ones exist.
There is nothing wrong with interracial dating. Anybody who says otherwise is using scripture to justify their racist ideology and does not embody the message of Christ.
God does not stand for judgment based on skin color. When Moses married Crushite (Numbers 12:1-16), an Ethiopian woman, Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses for marrying her. In retaliation, God summoned Aaron and Miriam and punished them for their criticism.
When the bible talks against interracial marriage, it warns against dating and marrying people who worship false gods, idols, and other icons. Not skin color.
Apostle Paul tells us that Christians are not to marry people that practice different religions than themselves. God wants his followers to stay loyal to Him and to other believers. It is important to not compromise your own beliefs or values. The Bible doesn’t allow it.
Paul warns Christians against being unequally yoked with unbelievers because they will have a difficult time staying together. You are to remain loyal to those who hold the same beliefs and values as yourself. You cannot be a companion in your life journey to serve Christ with people who practice different religions or beliefs than yours.
When you have the opportunity to build a life-long relationship with someone, it is important to make sure that you are compatible with them when you begin the dating process. Don’t just choose someone because they are attractive.
Look beyond physical appearance and see whether you can have a conversation with them about what is important to you. The two of you should be able to talk about important matters.
When you first meet a potential partner, you should think about the kind of person that he or she is. You should consider their personality and character. Is he or she honest and trustworthy? Are they kind to others and to animals?
And don’t forget to check to see if they believe in our God!
Finding a partner is hard work and finding the right partner is even harder. But you don’t need to worry about dating outside your race. As long as you are with someone that supports your religious beliefs or who joins you in them, you’ll be fine.
The main point is to preserve the souls of God’s followers from being led astray. To keep them from being led astray, you should date those who are committed to God. Skin color has nothing to do with the matter. The Bible only refers to people who are outside the faith. Therefore, marriage between races is allowed.
It’s important for believers to be in fellowship with other believers. We shouldn’t associate with those who aren’t spiritually connected with God. Marriage is a special bond between a man and a woman that are committed to God. This is the best way to keep you away from sin.
As I close, think about God’s commandment to His children given in the book of Deuteronomy 18: 9-12: “When you enter the land that God, your God, is giving you, don’t take on the abominable ways of life of the nations there. Don’t you dare sacrifice your son or daughter in the fire. Don’t practice divination, sorcery, fortunetelling, witchery, casting spells, holding séances, or channeling with the dead. People who do these things are an abomination to God. It’s because of just such abominable practices that God, your God, is driving these nations out before you.”
And, by the way, if you do date someone from a different race and someone tries to argue against your union’s legitimacy, remember James 2:1-10. For Our God shows no partiality among those who believe in Him.
(James 2:1-10) My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
I’m Lori Stith, The Stoicess
Your Christian Life Coach
AND I believe in YOU!
If you like what you mentally, now see, join my website to learn and think like me at StoicMatchmaker.com.
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