Going to church is an integral part of the Christian faith because it is where you are fed with the Word of God, along with your brothers and sisters in Christ; it is where you will be equipped and gain more knowledge to fulfill your calling and destiny in Christ. The church is where you will gain a sense of belongingness to grow, exercise, and practice faith, hope, and love in Christ Jesus. As a Christian wife, it can be challenging to have family members who won’t go to church, especially if that family member is your husband.
If your husband doesn’t want to go to church, know that you don’t have to force him to attend church with you. As we are all going through the process in our relationship and getting to know the Lord, it is not a good idea to force someone to church against their will. God doesn’t force us to do things in the Kingdom but patiently waits for us to come to repentance. The kindness of God will lead your husband into repentance (Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Romans 2:4) as you imitate God and demonstrate kindness and patience, even for your husband’s weaknesses.
What Should I Do if My Husband Won’t Go to Church?
Also, pray for your husband. Sometimes, the best thing we can do when it comes to other people’s choices is to lift them in prayers and allow God to work in His unique ways. As you continuously pray for your husband, keep declaring God’s Word and promises over his life, and those hopes will someday come to fruition.
Moreover, sometimes, it is best to ask your husband his reasons for not going to church. We know that churches aren’t perfect, and there are reasons why people prefer not to go to church. You can have a heart-to-heart talk with your husband and approach him gently with questions about him not wanting to go to church. Don’t reason with his answers; listen and try to understand what he is saying. Then pray to God about it.
It is always best to serve and love God when it comes from the response of our hearts willingly and willfully. As your husband struggles to participate in the church, continue to show your love, respect, and honor towards him. You can pray for him and share God’s Word to help him renew his mind through the Word of God. Extend to him the same grace you received from the Lord when you were yet unlovable in His eyes.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
What Should I Do if My Husband Won’t Go to Church?
What can I do to help my husband go to church?
Sometimes, the church can be intimidating, with so many “holy” people inside it. At the same time, it can be overwhelming to be surrounded by lots of other people, especially if you’re not a sociable type of person and are more introverted. To help your husband, you can befriend a few churchmates and invite them over to your house for small fellowships.
Fellowship outside the church helps to break the ice for some people. The church as a place in itself may not be an effective space for your husband to comfortably learn about God’s Word, the Kingdom of God, and have fellowship with brothers and sisters. Thus, bring the church into your home. Let some men of God create fellowship with your husband, as it might help him build relationships and friendships that may encourage him to attend church.
Know that the church isn’t the only place where your husband can grow and learn about the Word of God. If he doesn’t want to go to church and prefers to stay home on Sundays or Saturdays, try to ask your churchmates or pastor to make a home visit and help your husband in his faith walk with God. Sometimes, these situations call for mature believers to show compassion for those weaker in their faith. 1 Peter 4:8 says, And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
What Should I Do if My Husband Won’t Go to Church?
As you and your churchmates show kindness and grace to your husband and remain Christlike, even if he acts up, love will win him over to Christ one day. Eventually, he’ll realize that he is in the right company and that there is no need to fear or be intimidated by going to church. He’ll realize that God is loving, patient, and kind.
It is the kindness of God that leads men to repentance. May the Lord bless your heart as you extend grace, patience, and compassion to your husband. May He answer your prayer to go to church and serve God together, in Jesus’ name.