Married to a unbelieving spouse.

Question: ‘How do you live day to day with an unbelieving spouse, not losing your spiritual connection and be a witness for Christ.”

Answer submitted by Pastor Stacey Weeks:
Tough question. Tough situation.

Christian marriage is a covenant before God between two baptized believers of Jesus Christ. If the marriage is between one believer and a nonbeliever, the playing field changes considerably.

Under a covenant marriage, there are many gifts a couple can share - the Holy Spirit, the power of prayer, the Bible, as well as the fellowship of believers. These are gifts that are only being used by one person in the marriage if you are married to a nonbeliever. Living day to day and using those spiritual gifts alone can be challenging.

I know this because when I married Kevin, he was not a believer and I was. I clearly remember the days when the hurt was almost physical because I knew what my best friend and husband was missing out on, the best news ever and the peace that can only come from Christ. (Kevin professed Jesus as his Lord and was baptized after 12 years of marriage).

From my experience, I can tell you this:
* God is with you and you are not alone on this path. God wishes for your spouse to be saved even more that you do!
* Keep doing what you are doing: reading Scripture, attending church, listening to Christian music, blessing meals, talking about your faith with your friends and family. Even though sometimes this may be awkward or even difficult, your spouse is watching what you are doing.
* Pray faithfully for your spouse’s salvation and have others praying with you as well. This will bolster you as you wait as well and give you other believers to walk this with you and encourage you.
* Don’t preach at your spouse. You cannot talk them into faith! There is their part, God’s part and your part in their salvation. Trust God’s timing and His plan for your spouse and you.
* Do discuss with their questions with them. Listen to their hurts or issues around faith. Some of these discussions may develop over years. If they ask questions you cannot answer, seek out a pastor or your faith coach.

Please know that I pray for you and all those married to non believers.