Today we’re diving deep into what it means to be equally yoked as Addison and Juli Bevere join Kait and JJ to unpack spiritual compatibility, missional dating, and their own journey from MySpace DMs to marriage!
Introduction
What Does Being “Equally Yoked” Even Mean?
The “Iron Sharpens Iron” Dynamic: Why Spiritual Differences Can Be a Strength
What About Missionary Dating? Is It Ever Okay?
Discernment in Dating: How Do You KNOW If You’re Truly Compatible?
Why “Project Partners” Rarely Work
Bottom Line: Chase Unity, Not Sameness
Hey HOD Fam!! We’re BACK with an episode that is absolutely PACKED with wisdom and 🔥 insight for anyone who is dating and wrestling with faith differences in relationships. Today, we’re joined by powerhouse couple Addison and Juli Bevere, who are giving us the REAL on what it actually means to be equally yoked. If you’ve ever wondered, “What if I’m more spiritually mature than the person I’m dating?” or “Can a Baptist + a Charismatic make it work?” or even, “Is missionary dating okay???”...whew, THIS is your post!! Grab your journals, fam, and let’s dive deep into the real talk on spiritual compatibility.
Let’s be honest—if you grew up in Christian circles, you’ve heard the phrase “don’t be unequally yoked” thrown around a LOT. But have you ever stopped to think what it actually means?
Addison breaks it down for us, nerding out in the BEST way: this concept comes from 2 Corinthians 6 and Deuteronomy 22, where Paul and Moses talk about two different animals yoked together—like an ox and a donkey. The main takeaway? It’s not about being at the exact same “level” spiritually, but whether you’re the same kind—do you share the same core faith and ultimate direction? Two oxen might be at different stages of maturity, but as long as they’re both oxen, they’re headed the same way, under the same guidance. The REAL issue is when you’re fundamentally not the same kind—when your core values, faith, and direction in life aren’t aligned.
Can two people with different spiritual backgrounds, or different expressions of faith, actually work together? YES—and sometimes, it can even be AMAZING.
Julie and Addison’s story is case in point: he leans more Scripture; she’s more Holy Spirit. Rather than this being a dealbreaker, it’s actually a gift that pushes them out of their “bubble.” The key is humility—a willingness to learn, be challenged, and grow in your faith through each other. Attraction to a partner’s spiritual life isn’t about checking all the same faith boxes, but admiring how their walk with God sharpens and encourages you.
So, yes, Baptists and Charismatics CAN date (and thrive)! The issue is not style, but heart posture: curiosity, openness, and a shared commitment to putting God center stage. Humility and teachability are massive green flags in any relationship.
Oof, the forbidden “flirt to convert!” Addison and Julie are honest—yes, their story started with a form of missionary dating. But—major caveat—they do NOT recommend it. Their journey was fast, and Julie made a personal, radical commitment to follow Jesus independent of their relationship (including a long “Isaac season” of separation).
The takeaway? Don’t make yourself the “pot of gold at the end of the rainbow” where God is just a means to get to you. If your relationship with God is dependent on the other person’s faith, there’s a massive risk for codependency and disappointment. Real transformation has to be between them and God, not orchestrated by your efforts.
So, how do you figure out if someone is the “same kind” as you? Addison shares two 🔑 questions for moving towards marriage:
It’s all about asking the hard questions, giving things TIME to reveal themselves, and not rushing through the process out of anxiety or fear of missing out. Pay attention to speed and direction in their pursuit of God—velocity over history. And keep physical boundaries intact so you don’t cloud your discernment.
A special word to all our nurturers: if you’re always the spiritual leader, it’s a red flag. Julie and Addison point out that a thriving partnership means BOTH people are willing to lay down their lives for God and each other. If you’re dragging someone along or constantly doing the spiritual “heavy lifting,” you’re stuck with a donkey and an ox. You’ll just end up going in circles.
Ultimately, unity is not about sameness. It’s about two people, with their unique strengths and spiritual leanings, agreeing on the ultimate direction and Master of their lives. Don’t let fear of being different rob you of authentic unity—differences make you sharper! But die to the fantasy that you can be the “savior” in your relationship. That’s God’s job, not yours.
Remember fam, God’s best is worth waiting for. Don’t settle out of fear—keep your standards high, your heart surrendered, and enjoy the adventure of discovering TRUE spiritual compatibility.
Until next time, HOD fam—keep dating with intention! 💛
After 17 years of marriage, Addison and Juli are more in love than ever. Their deep connection fuels their life of service—both at home with their four amazing children, Asher, Sophia, Elizabeth, and Augustus, and in the broader world through writing, speaking, and podcasting.
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