Lesson 18

Can I encourage my husband to confess his struggles?

Bringing sexual sin into the light needs to be done in a way that encourages truth and communication.  While God is our safe place in the spiritual realm, earthly marital issues most often are resolved by tackling the issues with mutual respect, communication, and compassion.  The ideal situation is a “safe enough” place where the husband can confess his sins and shortcomings to his wife so that they may become partners in fighting the battle with sexual sin.

Beth knew before they were married that her husband looked at pornography, but neither of them were strong in their faith so it wasn’t really an issue.  As he grew in his faith, he told Beth he knew that it was sin and that it had a deep and significant hold on him.  “When he comes to me to confess, I need to react with the most compassionate and understanding heart.  He knows he can share with me without fear of backlash or emotional outbursts.”  She let him take the lead in his process and supported him along the way by setting aside time for his men’s group at church, locking down his Internet and devices (by mutual agreement), or praying with him.  ‘I just thank God that he has a repentant heart and that we’ve come through this situation stronger in faith and in marriage.”