Religion

/

Health

Why is my husband so stubborn?

Tribune Content Agency on

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: My husband is getting older and is beginning to develop some physical problems, but he refuses to go to a doctor. Why is he so stubborn? Why won't he face the fact that he needs help? -- Mrs. L.F.

A: Almost every doctor I've talked to about this problem has known patients like this -- unfortunately, sometimes after it was too late to help them. Hopefully this won't be the case with your husband.

Only your husband can say why he won't admit his problems and seek help for them (if in fact he's even thought about it). Sometimes the problem is fear over what might be found, or fear of what might need to be done to treat it. Sometimes the problem is embarrassment. And often the problem is simply pride -- an unwillingness to admit any weakness, or a determination to "tough it out" regardless of the problem or its consequences.

Whatever the reasons, I hope your husband will face them honestly and seek whatever medical help he needs. God gave our bodies to us, and He wants us to take care of them. Many of the laws in the Old Testament had to do with healthy living, and they were part of God's will for His people. In light of Christ's sacrifice of His body for us, the Bible commands us to "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1).

 

Pray for your husband -- and pray too that God will give you wisdom in dealing with him about this. Don't nag him -- but let him know you love him, and because you love him you want him to get the help he needs. In addition, if possible recruit other members of your family to encourage him to overcome his reluctance and get the help he needs.

========

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)


(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

 

 

Comics

Barney & Clyde Al Goodwyn Andy Capp Adam Zyglis Curtis Cul de Sac