How do you Counsel a Husband who has Revealed a Struggle with Pornography to His Wife?

Every pastor already faces this.  Unfortunately, I fear the problem will only become more common in the future; that is marriage counseling as a result of a husband’s struggle with pornogrpahy.  The work to restore trust and intimacy within a marriage deeply affected by this sinful struggle is only possible through the gospel and applied most effectively within the local church; having said that, consider six practical ways that husband can reestablish trust and intimacy with his hurting wife:

1)      Be patient towards your hurting wife.

Men are known to deal with something, then move on.  A wife, especially one sinned against by pornography will not move on so quickly.  A wife does not get past this offence in the same amount of time a husband often expects she should.  Encourage the husband to be patient with his wife as she tries to find forgiveness and reestablish trust.  By God’s grace it will happen—but in time.

2)      Understand the seriousness of your sin against her.

Sexual sin hurts a wife more deeply than most other sins against her.  A husband needs to realize that the reasons this sin stings so much is that it seems to confirm almost every doubt and insecurity most women already battle within themselves.  Understanding the seriousness of this sin and the pain it causes will help cultivate patience and prevent a reoccurrence of it.    Continue at Practical Shepherding

See also:  “What Do I Do If My Child Is Looking at Pornography?”