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15 Signs Your Relationship Is Leading You Away From God

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A Christ-centered relationship should bring you closer to God, not pull you away from Him. But sometimes, love can blind us to warning signs that our relationship is affecting our faith. Here are 15 red flags that may indicate your relationship is leading you away from God instead of toward Him.

You’re Compromising Your Values for the Relationship

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If you find yourself justifying things you once stood firmly against—whether it’s skipping church, physical boundaries, or dishonesty—pause and ask yourself why. Love should strengthen your convictions, not weaken them. Do you see yourself changing? True love will never ask you to compromise your faith for the sake of the relationship.

You Spend More Time Focused on Them Than on God

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It’s natural to think about the person you love, but if they consume your thoughts more than God does, it’s a sign of misplaced priorities. A relationship should never become an idol. Matthew 6:33 reminds us that we should “seek first the kingdom of God”—not a relationship, no matter how great it feels.

Your Prayer Life and Bible Study Have Faded

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Before this relationship, you had a strong prayer life, but now, quiet time with God feels like an afterthought. If you’re constantly too busy for Bible study or no longer feel the same urgency to seek Him, your relationship may be competing for the space God should hold in your heart.

You Feel Guilty More Than You Feel at Peace

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A relationship that pleases God brings peace, not constant conviction. If you’re always feeling guilty—whether about choices you’re making, things you’re hiding, or the way you’re growing apart from God—that’s the Holy Spirit nudging you. Pay attention to that feeling.

You Avoid Talking About God with Them

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Do you feel hesitant to bring up faith in conversation? Do they change the subject when you mention church, prayer, or Scripture? A relationship where God feels like an awkward topic is a relationship that may not be spiritually aligned. A strong Christian couple should be able to talk about faith naturally.

They Pressure You to Cross Physical Boundaries

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Physical temptation is real, but a godly partner will respect your commitment to purity. If they constantly push boundaries, downplay your convictions, or make you feel guilty for saying no, they are not honoring your faith. Love honors; it doesn’t pressure. You should never be forced to do something you don’t want. 

You’re More Concerned About Their Approval Than God’s

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Do you find yourself making decisions based on what will make your partner happy instead of what honors God? When pleasing a person becomes more important than obeying the Lord, the relationship has taken an unhealthy place in your life. Why do you care more about your partner than god? Always put God first and anyone second.

You’re Isolating Yourself from the Christian Community

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Have you stopped attending church as often? Do you avoid your Christian friends or mentors because they might ask tough questions about your relationship? Isolation is another key strategy the enemy uses to weaken your faith. A healthy relationship will encourage you to stay connected, not pull away. You should always stay connected to your community.

Your Relationship Feels More Worldly Than Godly

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If your conversations, activities, and shared interests don’t reflect Christ but instead focus on things like materialism, partying, or self-centered pursuits, your relationship might be more influenced by the world than by God. A Christ-centered relationship should look different from what culture promotes. Don’t do what everyone around you is doing. Focus on God.

They Don’t Encourage Your Spiritual Growth

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Does your partner inspire you to grow in faith, or do they make you feel like spiritual growth isn’t a priority? A godly relationship should push you closer to Christ, not keep you stagnant. If your faith has remained the same—or worse, weakened—since dating them, that’s a big red flag.

You Feel Emotionally Drained Instead of Spiritually Strengthened

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A healthy, God-honoring relationship should lift you up, not leave you feeling drained. If you’re constantly exhausted, anxious, or spiritually off-track, chances are this relationship isn’t aligned with God’s will. A Christ-centered partnership should bring peace, not constant stress. Love isn’t supposed to wear you out—it’s meant to strengthen and encourage you.

You’re Justifying the Relationship Despite Clear Red Flags

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Do you find yourself making excuses for their lack of faith, their unhealthy behaviors, or the way they treat you? Maybe you tell yourself, “They’ll change eventually,” or, “I can help them get closer to God.” But you are not the Holy Spirit. Change must come from within, not through your efforts alone.

Your Faith Feels More Like a Burden Than a Joy

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Before the relationship, following Christ felt natural, joyful, and fulfilling. Now, it feels like an obligation, or worse—something you have to hide. A relationship that pulls you away from your passion for God is not one that will lead to long-term spiritual health. It’s a major red flag that won’t turn green over time.

You Ignore God’s Nudging to Step Back

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Ever felt that deep sense that something just isn’t right? You can feel it in your heart. Maybe God’s been whispering to you through sermons, friends, or that unsettled feeling in your heart. If He’s urging you to step back, but you keep pushing ahead, you are chasing your own desires instead of trusting God’s plan. Listen to that inner voice. 

You Can’t Picture a Future with Christ at the Center

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Ask yourself: If you were to marry this person, would your future be centered on Christ? Would your home be filled with prayer, faith, and godly leadership? Or does imagining the future make you uneasy? If you can’t see yourself building a Christ-focused life with this person, it may be time to reevaluate.

Written by Lisa O

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