Crosswalk Couples Devotional - What Does the Bible Say about Work Wives and Work Husbands? - November 3

What Does the Bible Say about Work Wives and Work Husbands?

By: Vivian Bricker

"You ask, 'Why?' It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth. 'The man who hates and divorces his wife,' says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'does violence to the one he should protect,' says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful" (Malachi 2:14-16).

Recently, there has been a phenomenon of "work wives" and "work husbands." This occurs when you have a close bond with someone at work, work effectively together, and spend most of your working day together. According to most definitions, romantic feelings are not involved. However, this has been debated by many individuals. Being around someone so much during the day and calling them your work wife or work husband will begin to affect you.

Sadly, this can lead to infidelity. Even though these types of relationships are supposed to be platonic and not linked to romantic feelings, it would be impossible to say that these types of relationships do not lead to more intense feelings for the person over time. If a Christian has been in the habit of calling someone their work wife or work husband, they need to repent.

Having someone as your work wife or work husband is not a harmless trend. Even though it is often depicted on social media as harmless, it can cause numerous problems. Seeing someone as your work wife or work husband will cause you to stumble and fall into sin. You also need to look at what your spouse thinks. To say this about someone who is not your spouse can really hurt them.

Your only spouse is the person you married before God. This is the only person you are married to, and the only person you should address as your wife or husband. To call someone at work your work wife or work husband is infringing on the relationship you have with your real spouse. There is no reason to think of anyone in the workplace in this way or to call them your spouse.

It might feel harmless, but think about how your feelings would change if your spouse came home talking about their work wife or husband. You probably would feel very angry, jealous, and hurt, and rightfully so. Similarly, when you return home and discuss your "work spouse" or even subtly mention them, it can evoke a range of negative feelings in your spouse's heart.

Therefore, do not practice the concept of having a work wife or a work husband. It is not biblical, and it does have the capacity to ruin your marriage. It can lead you into sexual immorality, inappropriate fantasies, and even leaving your real spouse for your work spouse. Rather than committing these sins, turn to the Lord and ask for His help. Even if you have been involved with your work spouse for a long time, it is time to break ties.

Return to your real spouse. If this means leaving your current job, then this is what you must do. Leaving your job is better than losing your marriage. Discuss this with your spouse, be honest with them, and sincerely apologize. Include God in your discussion and also consider Christian marriage counseling to repair any hurt wounds.

The Bible tells us, "You ask, 'Why?' It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth. 'The man who hates and divorces his wife,' says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'does violence to the one he should protect,' says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful" (Malachi 2:14-16).

As God says in this passage, we are to be faithful to our spouse. God hates sexual immorality, unfaithfulness, and divorce. Since work spouses meet all of these sinful criteria and could lead to divorce, there is nothing biblical about it. Choose to obey God, love Him, and love your spouse. Only when we do this will we truly be living the lives God wants for us.

"Dear God, I have not been faithful to my spouse. I have adopted the practice of having a work spouse. Please forgive me and help me work through this issue. I have one spouse, and that is the person I married. I'm truly ashamed of my actions. Please help me repair my marriage after these behaviors. Thank You, God. Amen."

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/DigitalVision

Vivian Bricker obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, followed by a Master of Arts with an emphasis in theology. She loves all things theology, mission work, and helping others learn about Jesus. Find more of her content at Cultivate: https://cultivatechristianity.wordpress.com/. 

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