I recently came to faith in Christ and am living with an unbeliever. What should I do?

Answer

There is no simple solution to your situation. It is likely best to part ways, clearly explaining to your partner that you have been disobedient to God by living together before marriage. Continuing to cohabit would be an ongoing, deliberate act of fornication. The Scriptures are explicit that sexual immorality is a sin and that our bodies are meant to honor the Lord: “You were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies” «For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.», (1 Corinthians 6:20). God did not redeem you to continue in sin (Romans 6:1-4).

You could choose to marry, addressing the concerns of immorality, but doing so would create an unequal partnership that God prohibits «Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? », (2 Corinthians 6:14). Now that Christ is central in your life, your primary devotion should be to Him «If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. », (Luke 14:26). Loving the Lord is inseparable from obeying His commands « If ye love me, keep my commandments. », (John 14:15).

The biblical principles outlined above are clear-cut, but there may be other factors complicating the situation. For instance, are there children in the picture? Additionally, inIn the state where you reside, what are the laws regarding common-law marriage? You may already be legally married, depending on the specifics of marriage laws in your area. If you exchanged informal vows without an officiant present, one option is to formalize the marriage to which you are already committed. If your non-believing spouse is unwilling to legalize the relationship with an official license, the principle of 1 Corinthians 7:15 may be relevant.

In addition to praying and studying the Scriptures on this matter, it is crucial to seek a wise counselor—such as a pastor or someone well-versed in the Bible and life experiences—with whom you can discuss all the details of your situation. By adhering to biblical principles, pray for courage and grace. The right path will become evident. Have faith that God knows what is best for you and that He has your best interests at heart.