Should a Christian attend the wedding of a couple of another faith?

Quick answer

God honors marriages of all faiths, as long as they are between one man and one woman, although Christians need discernment to know how to support these marriages. Whether or not a Christian attends the wedding of a couple of another faith, Christians are called to uphold marriage and to help others do the same.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

God instituted marriage to be between one man and one woman for life. The Bible does not limit the institution of marriage to followers of God. Marriage is for every person of every nation and religion. God recognizes the legitimacy of marriages performed in other religions. Christians are free to celebrate the biblical expression of marriage no matter what the faith of the couple is, but believers need to have discernment. If the guests of a wedding are required to participate in an unbiblical religious act, the wedding should be avoided. Alternatively, the Christian could contact the couple and see if a compromise could be made; it may even be possible to skip the ceremony and attend the reception. Overall, Christians are to uphold marriage and help others do the same.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

When God created Eve for Adam, He forever established the definition of marriage for humanity: one man, one woman, joined together for as long as they both lived (Genesis 2:24). Mankind quickly twisted that standard by adding polygamy, concubines, and divorce. Now, we're seeing even more twisting, such as with the unbiblical addition of marriages between two people of the same gender.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

The Bible instructs believers not to be "unequally yoked" in 2 Corinthians 6:14, which says: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” Marriages where the husband and wife are of different faiths can lead to spiritual conflict and divided priorities; however, the marriage is still legitimate, and Christians should help these couples make their marriage a priority.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Deciding whether to attend a wedding of another faith requires careful consideration and prayer, as it touches on both love for others and faithfulness to God. While attending might be seen as a gesture of support and respect, it could also be viewed as endorsing a union that does not align with biblical teachings. We should weigh how our presence could impact our witness for Christ and whether it might cause confusion about our beliefs. As we navigate these decisions, it’s crucial to seek God’s wisdom and maintain a loving yet truthful stance, recognizing that while we are called to live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18), we must also be mindful not to compromise our commitment to God’s Word. Ultimately, we can show grace and love toward others while being firm in our faith, finding ways to bless those around us without affirming beliefs or practices contrary to Scripture.

UNDERSTAND

God honors marriages of all faiths between one man and one woman, but Christians should exercise discernment as to whether or not they should attend a wedding of a couple of another faith.

If unbiblical practices are involved, Christians can choose to skip the ceremony and attend the reception instead.

Christians are called to support marriage and express love for others while maintaining faithfulness to biblical teachings.

REFLECT

What are your concerns or thoughts about attending a wedding of someone from a different faith, and what factors influence your decision?

How can you balance your support for a couple of another faith with your commitment to your faith when considering attending such a wedding?

How can you demonstrate love and respect for those of other faiths while remaining true to your biblical beliefs in your interactions?

ENGAGE

Attending the wedding of a believer to a non-believer can be seen as endorsing an unbiblical union, as Christians are advised not to be "unequally yoked." However, once the marriage is established, Christians should support the couple, as God recognizes its legitimacy and calls believers to remain with their unbelieving spouses (1 Corinthians 7:12–14).

What specific biblical principles guide your understanding of marriage, and how do they shape your view on attending weddings of couples from different faiths?

How might attending or not attending such a wedding impact your witness for Christ in your community?