Ever wonder if God’s up there cheering on your relationship, even when it’s a little—or a lot—off the rails? Maybe it feels good, but deep down, you’re not sure it’s got His stamp of approval.
So, let’s tackle this: Will God bless a sinful relationship? No sanctimonious lectures here—just some straight talk with a side of humor.
What Makes a Relationship “Sinful”?
First, we need to pin down what “sinful” even means. The Bible says sin is breaking God’s law. “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4, NIV).
In relationships, that could look like adultery, sleeping together before marriage, or something toxic like lying or fighting dirty.
There’s more to it, though. Some see same-sex relationships as sinful under traditional theology—others don’t. Depends on your take.
Either way, sin’s not always a one-off mistake. There’s a difference between slipping up and saying sorry, and just setting up camp in the wrong.
God’s Take on Blessings
God’s holy. Like, can’t-even-look-at-sin holy. “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing” (Habakkuk 1:13, NIV). His blessings? They’re tied to what lines up with Him.
He’s generous, though. He sends good stuff to everyone—sinners included. “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45, NIV).
That’s not the same as a full-on blessing, though. The big ones come when you’re playing by His rules.
Grace is real, too. He doesn’t zap you the second you mess up. He’s more about second chances than slamming the door.
The Bible’s Relationship Drama
The Bible’s got stories that shed light on this. David and Bathsheba? Total train wreck—affair, murder, the works.
“David did what was right in the eyes of the Lord… except in the case of Uriah the Hittite” (1 Kings 15:5, NIV). God didn’t bless the sin, but after David repented, He worked with the aftermath.
Then there’s Abraham and Hagar. God didn’t ditch Ishmael, but that wasn’t the plan He blessed. “As for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him” (Genesis 17:20, NIV). Point is, God can handle your mess without endorsing it.
Jesus kept it real, too. He met a woman caught in adultery and said, “Then neither do I condemn you… Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11, NIV). Love with a side of “get it together.”
Does God Bless the Mess?
Here’s the rub: God doesn’t bless sin itself. If your relationship’s built on something shaky —like cheating or ignoring His design— you might see good moments. Kids, laughs, whatever. That’s not God signing off, though. It’s just doing its thing.
Want His real blessing? You’ve got to turn it around. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NIV). Line it up with His plan—like marriage His way—and you’re in business.
Stick with the sin? Trouble’s coming. “Your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2, NIV). Consequences don’t care about your excuses.
Fixing What’s Broken
God’s big on redemption. Step one: admit it’s wrong. Step two: mean it when you say sorry. Step three: change. Maybe that’s getting married or walking away—depends on the mess.
He can turn it around. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, NIV). Even if it’s too busted to fix, He’s got something better waiting.
What About Your Relationship?
Take a hard look. Does it honor God? Or are you just hoping He’s cool with it? If it’s off, talk to Him. Get some wise friends in on it, too.
Aim for something real—built on faith, not quicksand. You’re not too far gone. God’s not done with you yet.
The “But Wait” Questions
“But we’re happy!” Happiness isn’t the test. It’s nice, but it’s not a blessing certificate.
“David got away with it!” Not really. He paid a price, then got right. God blessed the man, not the mistake.
“Love’s enough, right?” Sure, if it’s God’s kind. “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6, NIV). Your version might need a tune-up.
Wrapping It Up
God’s not your cosmic cheerleader for sin. He loves you too much to let you coast in the wrong lane, but He’s not blessing the crash either. Check your relationship, make the hard calls, and trust Him to sort it out. He’s waiting to trade your mess for something solid. Up to you.
