When Interpretation Becomes Interruption
How theology, not culture is tearing Christian love stories apart.
We often assume that when two believers want to get married, the biggest challenge will be culture.
Tribe. Language. Distance. Dowry negotiations.
The usual suspects.
But lately, it’s not culture causing the biggest rifts.
It’s doctrine.
Interpretation.
Denomination.
It’s believers being told they can’t marry other believers - not because of faithlessness, but because of theological technicalities and denominational dogma.
Not equally yoked?
Not from the same tradition?
Not baptised in the “right” way?
Not churchy enough?
Too Pentecostal? Too reformed? Not enough tongue-speaking? Too much tongue-speaking?
Somewhere along the way, Scripture stopped being a guide toward unity… and became a filter for division.
And what’s worse - it’s often the parents, the elders, the “mature believers,” weaponising theology to mask fear, control, or even pride.
Let’s be honest:
Some of us are not fighting for God’s will - we’re fighting for our preferences, dressed up in religious vocabulary.
It’s not that doctrine doesn’t matter. It does.
But when interpretation interrupts covenant love between two believers - love grounded in godliness, integrity, and honour - we must ask: are we protecting the gospel or guarding our own traditions?
Because Scripture does not contradict the Spirit.
And wisdom never manifests as fear dressed in holiness.
So before we shut down a godly relationship in the name of “truth,”
Let’s ask ourselves:
Is it truth… or just tradition?
The beautiful thing about growing your union with a lifetime partner in God is, He will always give you assurances, lots of it as time goes on that He is there in that relationship.
So, I stopped listening to my feelings and started following His leadings. People I respect have raised objections but God already said yes, they'll see it eventually.
There is nothing more annoying and frustrating than this.
If both parties believe in the birth, death, burial, resurrection of Jesus Christ and its implications, isn’t that middle ground enough?
Every other thing is secondary and can be learnt by the leading of the holyspirit.
After all we’re building a family and not a church, yeah?