When Your Mate Doesn't Share Your Faith (2)

If a woman has a husband who is not a believer
1 Corinthians 7:13 NIV

Don't be surprised when you get opposition. 'I think my husband liked me better before I became a Christian and started to go to church,' a woman complained to her pastor. The pastor reminded her that spiritual warfare is part of the Christian life, and because believers and unbelievers are on opposite sides, she shouldn't be shocked. Jesus laid down the dividing line: 'He who is not with Me is against Me… ' (Matthew 12:30 NKJV). That's strong language! Neutrality isn't an option in this conflict. We are either on one side or the other. Jesus said, 'If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you… If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you… all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me' (John 15:19-21 NKJV). Don't take opposition personally. It's not about you, it's about His name. He, not you, is the target, and He can handle the flack!

You say, 'What should I do when I am criticised and misunderstood?' Try to stay detached from personal offence so that you can continue to love the person and be in a position to win them to Jesus. 'Bless those who persecute you… Repay no one evil for evil… live peaceably with all men… do not avenge yourselves… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good' (Romans 12:14-21 NKJV). Try it - it's Christ's winning strategy!