What Does the Bible Say about Ethical Non-Monogamy?
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From this one instance in the Bible, we see that having multiple wives or multiple partners is not biblical or ethical. Not only this, but we also see that it caused Solomon to turn away from the Lord and follow after false gods. It is the same today.
If a person is married to their spouse and they are seeing another boyfriend or girlfriend, it is only going to impair their relationship with their spouse as well as with God.
For a Christian to practice ethical non-monogamy is unheard of because it goes directly against God’s design for marriage.
For unbelievers who practice ethical non-monogamy, things will get worse for them as well. They might think they are “getting the best of both worlds,” when in actuality their marriage is falling apart.
To say that being with multiple partners while you are married will make your marriage “stronger” is insane. Being with multiple partners or even only one partner in addition to your spouse is adultery.
As Christians, we don’t need to practice ethical non-monogamy. If you have practiced it in the past or are presently practicing it, it is time to stop, repent, ask for forgiveness, and turn away from the sin.
Even if you and your spouse have already consented to this arrangement, know it is not biblical in the slightest sense.
Since it is not biblical, Christians do not need to practice it, nor should we endorse it. If you know someone who is practicing ethical non-monogamy, try to talk with them about it. Be open to listening and don’t be mean; however, also share what the Bible says about the matter.
Granted, it might be that the person you know who is practicing ethical non-monogamy is not a Christian, which will make it more difficult for them to see the authority of Scripture. In this case, still, try to talk with them about it, point them to what God says, and pray for them.
Don’t underestimate the power of prayer. Prayer is one of the major blessings we have as Christians because we can talk with God about anything and present our needs to Him.
God does not approve of ethical non-monogamy; therefore, we can trust that He will help us point them to the truth of the Bible and lead them to repentance.
Therefore, the Bible does not approve of ethical non-monogamy. Even though the world accepts ethical non-monogamy does not mean it is correct.
Christians need to be aware of ethical non-monogamy in order to be able to help point others away from this lifestyle and help them come to know the truth of what the Bible says.
Taking the time to talk with the individuals practicing ethical non-monogamy does not mean that they will accept what you say or stop practicing it.
As believers, we can pray and talk to those who are open to hearing what God says about marriage as well as the problems that will come as a result of ethical non-monogamy.
God created marriage; therefore, we know what He says about it is the correct way to practice it, which is between one man and one woman — not an open relationship after one gets married.
For further reading:
Why Is Polygamy Allowed in the Bible?
Is it True ‘What God Has Joined Let No One Separate’?
What Did Jesus Mean by ‘Two Become One’ in Mark 10:8
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