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Preserving Your Marriage When Convictions Clash · Doing Marriage Well

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  Doing Marriage Well for August 19, 2026 Preserving Your Marriage When Convictions
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  Clash I've talked about how couples blend and affect each other,
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  and how that can cause problems.
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  But sometimes there is frustration because we don't rub off on each other.
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  We expect our spouse to think as we do.
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  If you root for the Seahawks, as God intended, and your spouse cheers for the
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  Broncos, that's a problem.
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  On a more serious note, what we think about politics can cause a serious struggle.
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  Many people feel very strongly about
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  political issues And may see certain political issues as moral issues.
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  When differences like this get heated, the best option is to agree you won't
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  talk about it. Follow your convictions and expect your spouse to do the same.
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  Another way this can be difficult is over something one spouse sees as a conspiracy theory.
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  I know a guy who went further and further down the conspiracy rabbit hole,
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  flat earth and all. It was a significant part of what eventually ended his marriage.
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  The problem is that most of these folks are unable or unwilling to keep their
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  mouths closed about what they think.
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  Agree to disagree and move on is rarely in their playbook.
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  This means the problem is not what they think, but rather that they are not
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  respecting their spouse's desire to not hear about it.
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  And that is how I suggest you deal with it if you find yourself there.
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  While some disagreements are all about perspective, others, such as faith,
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  touch the very core of who we are.
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  Even what denomination one prefers can be a problem. If one spouse is Christian
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  and the other is not, that's more difficult.
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  If both were following Jesus when they married, and one has since left the faith,
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  that is particularly problematic.
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  These issues are even worse when there are children at home.
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  In 1 Corinthians 7, 12-16, Paul tells us to stay with an unbelieving spouse if they are willing.
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  And I would add, if it's safe to do so.
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  But that command doesn't make it an easy thing to do. Constantly trying to get
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  your spouse saved is understandable, but it rarely works and usually causes a lot of problems.
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  I suggest you pray for God to use others to influence your spouse for Him.
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  The other side of this is getting your unbelieving spouse to not harass you
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  about your faith. This is not really a religious issue.
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  It's a matter of common courtesy and decency.
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  Approach it that way rather than feeling persecuted for your faith.
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  It can be challenging when your spouse differs with you on something you feel is important.
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  Offer grace and pray for God to speak to either of you if what you believe is not what he wants.
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  This is Paul and the Seahawks could repeat this year.