Dear Pastor,

Greetings to you in the mighty name of Jesus. I am a 20-year-old female Christian who desperately needs your insight on an issue.

I have a friend who I have known for a while. We like each other but I can't make up my mind. His family is from the Muslim faith but he and I like each other. He is supportive. No matter how much I try, I can't hide my feelings for him. It gets deeper by the day but I don't know if it is acceptable for a Christian to be involved with a Muslim.

He is willing to come to my church and he never tells me anything about his religion for us to debate doctrines. He listens to me. Anytime I need him, he is there even though he lives overseas.

He makes me laugh and feel happy. I don't ask him for money or anything like that because I consider myself to be independent. I take care of myself but he is everything I need in a husband.

I have not told my family about him as yet. My aunt knows I have a friend but she doesn't think the relationship is serious. I have prayed. Please, tell me, pastor, if this relationship is unequally yoked.

S.A.

Dear S.A.,

I suggest you go see your pastor and discuss concerns about the relationship you are having with your Muslim boyfriend. I don't want you to believe I am passing the buck. I am not. What I am trying to say is that your minister is your spiritual guide and he is in a position to tell you what the church believes and whether he thinks it would be wise for you to marry this man.

Some would say that a Christian and a Muslim are incompatible.

Therefore, they should not be married. The Bible says that cannot walk together unless they be agreed. The doctrines of the Muslims are not in union with those of the Christians. However, allow your pastor to guide you.

Pastor