Discussing the Spiritual Realm with a Skeptical Spouse - Crosswalk Couples Devotional - December 13
Discussing the Spiritual Realm with a Skeptical Spouse
By: Jennifer Waddle
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)
My husband has a strong relationship with the Lord and exemplifies the fruit of the Spirit in wonderful ways. He is loving, patient, kind, and gentle, and I’d like to grow to be more like him.
However, there’s one topic he admits he’s a bit skeptical of—that of the spiritual realm. He believes what the Bible says but doesn’t put much emphasis on it. Still, he’s more than willing to have open discussions with me, offering his perspective while also hearing mine.
We might not agree on everything concerning the spiritual realm, but we remain solid in our commitment to love and respect each other. So, if your spouse is skeptical about spiritual things, here are a few ways to discuss them:
Without Pride
Whenever I think I know more about the spiritual realm than my husband, I quickly remind myself I still have much to learn. Coming across as prideful and arrogant only breeds more skepticism. And if we truly want our spouses to take an interest in the spiritual realm, we’ll be wise to approach the subject with humility and grace.
I can think of many areas of faith where my husband has more wisdom than I do, and I cherish his guidance. But if he were to share it with pride, I wouldn’t be open to receiving it. Only through a spirit of gentleness and respect are people able to have fruitful discussions about things they disagree on. And this goes for marriage as well.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 says, “The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” Let’s not pridefully insist our spouses agree with us, but instead humbly suggest fruitful discussions that build unity and faith.
Without Judgment
My husband and I watched a video clip recently where college students were asked simple math questions such as “How much is a quarter of a dollar?” We were flabbergasted that many of them couldn’t answer correctly!
When our spouses haven’t invested much time learning about the spiritual realm, it’s tempting to be judgmental about what they don’t know. However, having a critical spirit won’t solve anything and will likely push our spouses further from the topic.
Share Spiritual truths without a hint of judgment. And keep in mind that no matter how well-versed you are about the spiritual realm, there’s always room for growth. In fact, we will continue to be students of the Word until Jesus returns! Amen?
Without Pressure
It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I gained deeper insight into the spiritual realm. Through diligent study, wise counsel, and in-depth prayer, I discovered more about the Holy Spirit’s power to overcome the enemy’s lies. Since then, I’ve received freedom from strongholds I never thought could be broken.
It’s not wrong to want our spouses to see how the spiritual realm impacts our daily lives, but pressuring them isn’t going to help. Let the Lord prompt their heart to dive deep into the Scriptures for answers. Allow the Holy Spirit to create a hunger and thirst for more knowledge and understanding.
Once your spouse becomes interested, you can go on a wonderful journey together of praying, studying, and receiving God’s wisdom. Hopefully, it will be an ongoing journey that only strengthens your marriage, faith, and unity.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the Scriptures explaining the spiritual realm. I am blessed to learn about heavenly things I cannot see. I praise You for Your power to overcome the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, and I pray for my spouse to gain interest in this topic as it relates to our daily lives. Lord, I believe we can grow closer by understanding more about the battle for our souls, and I ask You to lead us as we study and pray together. Help me resist all forms of pride and judgment, giving me a heart of patience, kindness, and humility. Most of all, help me look to You at all times, trusting Your Word above all other teachings. Thank You for my spouse’s faith and wisdom. I am blessed to be in this partnership—a partnership ordained by You. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.
Photo credit: GettyImages/bernardbodo
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