This post was last updated on June 22, 2026
Day 72 (Year 2)
Free from the Pollution of Darkness
“Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14 NASB)
A “yoke” is commonly used for two oxen of similar size together to work in the same direction in farming or transport. Jesus said that believers should learn from Him and work alongside Him under the “yoke” so as to find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30). The word translated “bound together” in today’s scripture comes from the Greek heterozugeo, here meaning “to be yoked together unequally.” The verse warns us not to become bound or work together with unbelievers, and not to enter into any covenants or alliances with them. Thus, we should stay away from any unclean or contaminating relationships (2 Corinthians 6:17).
Some believers are entangled with unbelievers and end up being polluted by them, losing their faith in God. In reality, when new believers first turn from darkness to light, the unbelievers around them can weaken their faith. Thus, if we need to strengthen our faith, we must distance ourselves from unbelievers and refuse to remain in league with them. Otherwise, the power of darkness might use misplaced emotional bonds to draw us back into darkness. Those who return to darkness will find it much harder to believe in Jesus again. But some may argue that believers should instead shine light in darkness and thus should spend more time with unbelievers. This actually depends on whether God’s guidance and strength in us is strong enough to expel darkness.
In daily living, we inevitably have contact with unbelievers, for instance, eating at the same restaurant. But eating together does not necessarily mean having deep interaction. Such casual contact with unbelievers need not be considered “yoked together.” Besides, to grow in faith, we must sever harmful emotional and spiritual ties and separate from all unbelieving, unrighteous, or dark people and situations. For many, certain relationships—especially those formed before coming to faith—might be difficult to let go of because of emotional attachment, shared interests, or resistance to change, etc. All in all, we must earnestly ask Jesus to transform our desires and emotions, redirecting them toward faith-added relationships so that we can advance in walking in His righteous light.
Reflection questions:
1) Do you struggle with placing the wrong emphasis on emotional bonds, personal interests, or wrong relationships with unbelievers? If so, how will you rely on the Lord to change?
2) Are there currently any relationships in which you are unequally yoked or entangled with unbelievers? If so, what do you think the Lord Jesus wants you to do?