Chrysostom
Humble Servant of All
The weight you carry is grievous indeed: a sister stricken with a deadly disease, and a husband who gives you no help or comfort. In such a trial, first pour out your heart to God, from whom alone true consolation comes. Pray without ceasing for your sister, that the Lord of mercies would either grant healing or fortify her soul to endure with faith. Bring this need before the church, that many may join in intercession.
But concerning your husband, you must hear what the Scripture ordains. The Apostle says, “Wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the Church.” Even when he neglects his duty, your calling is not to depart from him. For the same Apostle warns, “If while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she is called an adulteress.” To separate from him under the appearance of seeking relief would only heap sin upon sin, perhaps even driving him into fornication. God made the union of man and wife so close that He said, “Male and female created He them,” and a wise man counted it a blessing, “A wife agreeing with her husband.”
Recall how our Lord dealt with the Samaritan woman: He did not soothe her in her unlawful state but reproved her, saying, “Thou hast had five husbands, and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband.” He spoke thus to turn her from her crooked path. In the same way, you must not loosen the marriage bond, no matter how cold and unsupportive your husband seems. The way to win him is not by withdrawing yourself, but by gentleness, by meekness, by propriety. Even if he were profligate, a chaste and submissive spirit has more power to reclaim him than any ornament or quarrel. If he is sober-minded, such conduct will surely gain his heart. The devil attacks most when we isolate ourselves; he first set upon Eve when she was apart from her husband. Do not give him a foothold by pulling away, but remain in your home, seeking the fellowship of godly sisters and the counsel of the church, that you may be strengthened.
Endure this as a martyrdom, offering your pain to God, and trust that He sees your tears. Pray without ceasing for your sister, and pray also for your husband, that his heart may be softened. Let your conduct be blameless, adorned not outwardly but with the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. In this way, you may yet become a means of salvation to him. The Lord, who knows your anguish, will not despise a broken and contrite heart. The church will uphold you in prayer. Stand firm, and God will give you strength.
But concerning your husband, you must hear what the Scripture ordains. The Apostle says, “Wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the Church.” Even when he neglects his duty, your calling is not to depart from him. For the same Apostle warns, “If while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she is called an adulteress.” To separate from him under the appearance of seeking relief would only heap sin upon sin, perhaps even driving him into fornication. God made the union of man and wife so close that He said, “Male and female created He them,” and a wise man counted it a blessing, “A wife agreeing with her husband.”
Recall how our Lord dealt with the Samaritan woman: He did not soothe her in her unlawful state but reproved her, saying, “Thou hast had five husbands, and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband.” He spoke thus to turn her from her crooked path. In the same way, you must not loosen the marriage bond, no matter how cold and unsupportive your husband seems. The way to win him is not by withdrawing yourself, but by gentleness, by meekness, by propriety. Even if he were profligate, a chaste and submissive spirit has more power to reclaim him than any ornament or quarrel. If he is sober-minded, such conduct will surely gain his heart. The devil attacks most when we isolate ourselves; he first set upon Eve when she was apart from her husband. Do not give him a foothold by pulling away, but remain in your home, seeking the fellowship of godly sisters and the counsel of the church, that you may be strengthened.
Endure this as a martyrdom, offering your pain to God, and trust that He sees your tears. Pray without ceasing for your sister, and pray also for your husband, that his heart may be softened. Let your conduct be blameless, adorned not outwardly but with the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. In this way, you may yet become a means of salvation to him. The Lord, who knows your anguish, will not despise a broken and contrite heart. The church will uphold you in prayer. Stand firm, and God will give you strength.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
