Dear Dr. David,

I am married to a woman who is fearful of making changes in our lives. She is generally a timid woman who doesn’t like to make big changes. While she is more cautious, I like to take chances. I feel like the Lord is directing me into the ministry, but my wife isn’t ready for the changes it would bring to our lives. At what point do I just move ahead in spite of her fears? When should a person ignore their partner’s feelings and move in the direction they feel called?

~ Moving Forward

Dear Forward,

I am very concerned about the direction you are moving. While it is commendable that you are listening for God’s calling on your life, you seem to want to ignore your wife’s feelings. This could be marital suicide. When you married her you agreed to "defer to one another in love"---and that includes being sensitive to her temperament. You agreed to let go of selfish desires, to be sacrificial with her.

While it is no doubt confusing that you feel called to the ministry, and she does not, if you pursue this direction without her support, your mission is compromised and perhaps even destined to fail. You will need her support and wisdom in any pursuit in the days ahead, and without her full support you will limp into your future. Worse, she may sabotage your efforts if she feels you have been passive-aggressive with her. If she feels unheard, and is understandably resentful about that, her feelings are likely to go underground—which is not a healthy road of communication.

So, slow down. Keep talking to her—in a non-coercive way, and continue praying for God’s leading. And listen to her. Listen again, carefully, to her concerns. There just might be something you’re missing. Though you disagree with her, her perspective is still valid. Practice the fine art of negotiating—seeking win-win solutions. Find solutions that honor your desires and passions, but also take into account her concerns. God won’t lead you in a path that destroys your marital relationship.

Dear Dr. David,

What should someone do if they feel their spouse is being secretive and dishonest? When I confront him, he denies that he is doing anything wrong. I fear he may be seeing someone behind my back which really upsets me. How can I know if I can trust him? It seems like I care for him more than he cares for me. What are some things we can do to build trust in our marriage? What are some things we can do to build a stronger bond of love in our marriage?

~ Distrustful

Dear Distrustful,

Your short letter brings up many areas of concern. How long have you been feeling this way, and have you talked about these issues with him? You sound fearful, and I wonder what exactly is causing that. It is concerning that you feel like you care for him more than he cares for you. Has something happened to tear at the integrity of your marriage? You sense he is pulling away from you, and that is certainly a "red flag." You need to be working together to restore communication and love.