Listen to this devotion
Religion: When one’s mate is not a Christian
In the Word
How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? (1 Corinthians 7:16).
Of the Word
You knew your partner was not a Christian when you married, or perhaps you came to faith after marriage and your spouse has not followed suit. Maybe faith is extremely important to you and you are frustrated that your mate doesn’t share the same passion to learn more about God’s Word.
You may be tempted to be overly critical of yourself because you can’t seem to change the person you married. As a Christian you are called to love, accept, forgive, and care for your mate, following the example of Christ as revealed to us through His Word. He loves us unconditionally, without reservations, completely. Trust that God loves the person you married in the same way. He desires a relationship with your mate even more than you do.
Continue to lift your mate up to God in prayer, always remembering that saving faith is the gift and work of the Holy Spirit. Only God can create faith in the one you love.
Walking with my Lord
Dear Holy Spirit, help me to love and accept my spouse the same way You love and accept me — unconditionally. Work faith in my spouse that we might share the great joy of following You together. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 22/28 ©2008 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
