It’s more common than many people realise
by Pastor Steve Liersch
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Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them (1 Corinthians 7:17).
I’ve met many Christians over the years who are married to a non-believing spouse. While I acknowledge it can’t be easy being married to someone who doesn’t share the Christian faith journey with their spouse, there’s a lot we can learn from them and admire about their approach to life. In my experience, most are willing to share what that is like, given the right moment to discuss it.
Several common issues arise: How often do they attend worship knowing they go alone and leave their spouse at home to do something else? How much do they financially give that expresses their love for God and his kingdom’s work? Do they get their children baptised? What school might they want their children to attend that supports their faith? How do they cope with the disappointment when the non-Christian spouse refuses to socialise with their Christian friends and attend events? Even the choice of what music might be played in the house or listened to on the car radio when driving?
Often I sense a sadness that they can’t pray with their spouse or have ‘God conversations’ to help cope with the ups and downs of life. However, their deepest concerns centre around the eternal destination of their non-Christian spouse. Their body language, tone of voice and genuine love reflect their desire to spend eternity with them, but deep down, they know that it may not happen, so they don’t dwell on it.
Please pray for anyone you might know in these situations. The more sensitive we can be towards their situation, the greater God’s love can be experienced by them.
How can you be more sensitive to couples who don’t share the same Christian faith journey?
Holy Spirit, there’s so much for you to do in this world, but we ask that you especially give strength to those with a non-Christian spouse so that their life can reflect Jesus in all they do and say. Help them be the best witness they can as they love someone you love also. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Pastor Steve and his wife Angelyn are virtually empty nesters living in the beautiful southern Perth coastal suburbs near Warnbro Sound beach. He likes gardening, watching sports, working on home projects and spending time with his wife and children. He is constantly seeking ways to help connect people to Jesus in a meaningful way.
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