I’ve been thinking that maybe I should just divorce my husband who I married seven months ago. He isn’t a member, we don’t have a lot of time vested, but I just can’t help but think that he will never join the Church and we will never be sealed so this is all a waste of my time. Yes, I do love him, but I also don’t like feeling like I’m doing something wrong and that matters more to me.
At the time we married, I wasn’t as strong in the Church as I would have liked. I had previously married a supposedly strong member of the Church, returned missionary, former bishopric member, active temple recommend holder and attendant, high priest group leader, and he turned out to be so abusive and horrible that I thought nothing of temple marriage after that. It meant nothing to me and my testimony of it was shattered. My trust in God sank to a whole new low to almost no trust.
Now that we have missionaries in our small town, they come at least weekly and I think I’ve gotten more out of it than my husband. Now that I’m starting to read the scriptures more and starting to pray a little more and try to put Christ more in my life, I’m feeling better about things regarding God and the Church. I’m beginning to regret marrying outside the Church and having a different set of standards than my husband. Our standards are not entirely different, but just enough to cause me regret. I don’t know what to do now. Patience, I’m sure. I don’t want to give up my salvation.
The Church's missionary program is one of its most recognized characteristics.
Hi sister. I'm happy you posted your question here. First off, let me express how happy I am that you're undergoing this spiritual awakening. It's excellent that you're responding to the missionary's messages and that you're starting down the right spiritual path again.
While the church certainly does encourage temple marriages, it does not recommend that members divorce non-Mormon spouses because of religious differences. All marriages, even those realized outside the temple, are sacred. There are valid reasons for divorce (abuse, infidelity, etc.), but generally people should fight to preserve their marriages.
You should speak openly with your husband about these concerns. Tell him that your spirituality is very important to you and that it would strengthen your relationship if he looked into the church. Don't be pushy or demanding. Rather, try to love him into the church.
I've personally seen an example of a spouse who joined the church because of the good influence of his other half. Sometimes it takes time--even years--but you should never give up. Grow in your faith, go to church regularly, pray, fast, and try to hold family home evening with your husband. Loving patience and open communication with him will be key.
I hope this answer helps. Best of luck to you during these challenging times.
While the church certainly does encourage temple marriages, it does not recommend that members divorce non-Mormon spouses because of religious differences. All marriages, even those realized outside the temple, are sacred. There are valid reasons for divorce (abuse, infidelity, etc.), but generally people should fight to preserve their marriages.
You should speak openly with your husband about these concerns. Tell him that your spirituality is very important to you and that it would strengthen your relationship if he looked into the church. Don't be pushy or demanding. Rather, try to love him into the church.
I've personally seen an example of a spouse who joined the church because of the good influence of his other half. Sometimes it takes time--even years--but you should never give up. Grow in your faith, go to church regularly, pray, fast, and try to hold family home evening with your husband. Loving patience and open communication with him will be key.
I hope this answer helps. Best of luck to you during these challenging times.