He has long struggled with pornography and masturbation. Before his recent faith lapse, he was diligent in seeking help from groups at church, or even with Christian Counselors. But since he has left the faith, he's been spiraling into more and more "acting out" (we're talking about weekly/daily occurrences). His wife has tried to be patient and longs for him to stop his behavior and come back to Christ.
He doesn't think there's a problem and sometimes even throws back at her that he doesn't criticize her weight, so she shouldn't criticize him for his issues. Yeah...very mature. Her retellings of the arguments on this issue reveal a bit of verbal/psychological abuse on his part.
He's also made it clear that short of her divorcing him, he's content to keep things as they are. Does this qualify as "content to dwell" under 1 Corinthians 7:13?
Or does his "addiction" rise to the level of adultery?1 Cor 7:13 (NKJV) wrote:13 And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him.
One of my thoughts on the situation has to do with the raising of their three kids. At this point he's not necessarily affecting their religious upbringing (largely leaving that to his wife). But at some point, his kids will ask questions, and he's made it clear he'll give "honest" answers (meaning he'll reveal his lack of faith). Also, he has two sons, and I worry that his behavoir will adversely affect them as they grow up.
Any advice for our friend? She doesn't want to divorce, but she's also not content to "leave things as they are". What options does she have?
Thanks.