How can a female Christian deal with witchcraft in her husband's family?

Answer 1

A person who practices witchcraft is not necessarily harmful. A Neopagan could get frustrated if you try to "save" them or convert them to your religion. Neopagans do not believe in an evil entity called the Devil, and they do not believe that there is only one true path. Get friendly with them, and share your ideas. You don't have to express that you are interested in their path or practices. They will tell you about their beliefs only if you ask. When you say witchcraft, it is an umbrella term. There are so many forms of witchcraft. Often the word witchcraft is used to mean magic. Some people use magic for evil or selfish purposes, while others use it to better people's lives. Witchcraft can also designate a religion. Wicca, which is a modern version of ancient Pagan beliefs and magical practices, teaches "harm none" as its first law. Ancient types of Paganism and witchcraft are also practiced as local religions by indigenous people in many areas of the world. In many traditions of witchcraft, nature is considered divine. It is also a common belief of Witches that their inner power or spiritual energy can effect changes in the material world. You really don't have to be afraid of the Witches in your husband's family. You may want to be careful when making first contact with them and their practices, because you don't know yet which form of witchcraft they practice and why they do so. Conservative Christians, who believe The Bible, consider all witchcraft to be a problem. There is instruction in Scriptures about the earth, life thereon, and the universe, which are not considered "divine," but created by God. God also forbids in His Word for believers to contact spirits and to practice soothsaying and divination. To do so is a rejection of God's commandment, and would be considered dishonoring to God. It is God who determines future events, and He desires believers to trust Him to help them. With that said, the Bible tells believers: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers." 1 Corinthians 6:14. A true Christian should not marry an unbeliever. The same yoke problem is true about business partners: they will be pulling in two opposite directions.

Yet when this happens, for whatever reason, there is specific instruction in 1 Peter 3:1-6: Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word [of God], they also may without the word [the wife's] be won by the conversation [or behavior] of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

This is special instruction to wives as to wisely influencing their husbands. Quietness is much better than a bunch of words, which can be construed as nagging. A pure and godly life can have a great effect that will tug at the husband's heart. Jewelry and makeup are OK in moderation, but the pureness of heart, which doesn't allow worldly corruption is much more influential. A patient, gentle, quiet spirit, which demonstrates inner godliness and strength, is a pearl "in the sight of God of great price."

The Bible speaks that on normal grounds, husbands and wives are to submit to each other. See Ephesians 5:21-33. Yet there is a unique submission, which Peter mentions, of a wife to a husband, that can be a building block to a better relation. Husbands are to love their wives sacrificially (Ephesians 5:25), but a wife who submits to all reasonable requests of her, even disobedient husband, can make such an impact that he will want to change. Godly, loving care from a wife is hard to resist, and has potential of a closer loving relationship in the marriage.

That strength is the best way to confront opposing forces impinging upon the Christian woman's marriage.