Your husband should be the one who supports you the most and always keeps you first. But what if he is not? How to deal with a narcissist husband biblically who doesn’t know anything except keeping himself front and center all the time? What does the Bible tell us?
Narcissism is a personality disorder characterized by inflated self-esteem and a lack of empathy or consideration for others. It can damage both the individual and those around them, leading to often tumultuous relationships.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with a narcissist husband, as each situation is unique. However, following some biblical principles can help mitigate the damage and restore harmony in your home.
What is Narcissism?
Narcissism is often characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for constant attention and admiration, and a lack of respect for others. People with this disorder often display grandiose behaviors and beliefs, making them seem arrogant or insincere to others.
A narcissistic personality disorder is a mental condition that affects how people think, feel, and behave in social situations. It typically develops in adolescence or early adulthood and can cause significant distress or impairment in social, work, or personal relationships. Narcissistic tendencies can include:
- A sense of entitlement
- A preoccupation with success or power
- A belief that you are special or unique
- A need for excessive admiration
- A lack of empathy for others
- A tendency to take advantage of others
- A sense of arrogance or entitlement
Dealing With A Narcissist Husbad: Step-by-step Guide
The first step is to understand what you’re dealing with. Narcissists can be challenging to deal with, and they often cause a lot of pain and heartache in relationships. It’s important to remember that narcissists are often very charming and charismatic, so their false promises and empty flattery are quickly drawn in.
If you’re married to a narcissist, it’s essential to remember that you didn’t do anything wrong. You didn’t cause your spouse’s selfish behavior, and you can’t change it. The best thing you can do is learn how to deal with it in a way that protects you emotionally and mentally.
Here are some tips for dealing with a narcissistic spouse:
1. Keep your own life separate from your spouse’s.
Maintaining your independence and keeping your own life separate from your spouse’s is essential. This includes having your friends, hobbies, and interests. Narcissists are often very controlling and manipulative and may try to control every aspect of your life.
2. Don’t take their behavior personally.
Selfish behavior is often a defense mechanism to protect the narcissist’s fragile ego. They may lash out or try to hurt you emotionally to feel better about themselves. It’s essential not to take their behavior personally and remember that it has nothing to do with you.
You might also like to read: How To Handle Someone Who Wants To Destroy You?
3. Set boundaries and stick to them.
Narcissists often try to take advantage of people, and they may try to push your boundaries to get what they want. It’s important to set firm boundaries with a narcissist and stick to them. This will help protect you from being taken advantage of or manipulated.
4. Don’t enable their behavior.
Narcissists often rely on the people around them to enable their behavior. For example, they may use others for money or emotional support. It’s not essential to allow a narcissist’s behavior by giving them what they want or doing things they should be doing for themselves.
5. Seek professional help if necessary.
If you’re married to a narcissist, you may need a mental health professional help to deal with the narcissistic abuse. Counseling or therapy can help you deal with a narcissistic spouse. You may also want to consider seeking legal assistance if the narcissist’s behavior is causing problems in your marriage or affecting your children.
Dealing with a narcissist can be difficult, but having a healthy and happy relationship is possible despite their selfish behavior. It’s important to remember that you didn’t cause your spouse’s narcissism, and you can’t change it.
Things God Will Do If A Narcissist Has Mentally Abused You
Narcissists are often very charming and convincing, making it hard to realize that you’re being abused. If a narcissist has mentally used you, know you’re not alone. God sees what’s happening to you, and He wants to help. Here are some things God will do if a narcissist has mentally abused you.
1. God will give you strength
Mental abuse can be incredibly draining, both emotionally and physically. But God promises to give His children the strength they need to get through difficult times (Isaiah 41:10). When you feel like you can’t go on, turn to God, who will give you the strength you need to keep going.
2. God will comfort you
You probably feel isolated, alone, and misunderstood if you’ve been mentally abused. But God wants to comfort you in your time of need (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). He knows what you’re going through and cares about your pain. When you feel like nobody else understands, turn to God, who will provide the comfort you need.
3. God will give you wisdom
Knowing what to do or where to turn when you’re being mentally abused can be challenging. But God promises to give His children wisdom when they ask for it (James 1:5). If you’re unsure what to do, ask God for learning, and He will guide you.
4. God will give you peace
Mental abuse can cause a lot of anxiety and stress. But God promises to give His children peace amid their troubles (Philippians 4:6-7). When you’re feeling overwhelmed, turn to God, who will help you find peace.
5. God will help you heal
The wounds of mental abuse can run deep. But God is a healer and wants to help you heal from the hurt inflicted on you (Psalm 147:3). When you’re ready to start the healing process, turn to God, who will help you every step.
If a narcissist has mentally abused you, know that God sees what’s happening to you, and He wants to help. He will give you strength, comfort, wisdom, peace, and healing. So if you’re feeling lost, alone, and confused, turn to God. He is waiting to help you through this difficult time.
You might also like to read: How To Handle False Accusations At Work?
Hints Bible Gives To Deal With Narcissists
The Bible does indicate how to deal with narcissists, though it doesn’t specifically mention the term. In general, the Bible tells us to be patient and kind, even to those challenging to deal with. This is because we are called to love our neighbor as ourselves.
1. Don’t yield to them
The Bible is full of stories of people who yielded to narcissists with disastrous results. Eve failed to the serpent’s compliments and flattery and introduced sin and death into the world. Samson yielded to Delilah’s demands for information and lost his strength. King Saul failed Samuel’s criticism and was rejected by God.
2. Be assertive
Narcissists are used to getting their way and will often try to steamroll over you if you’re not assertive. Assertiveness doesn’t mean being rude or aggressive, but standing up for yourself and refusing to be treated like a doormat.
3. Don’t get drawn into their games
Narcissists love to play mind games, and they’re experts at manipulating people. They’ll try to make you feel guilty, or play on your insecurities, to get what they want. Don’t fall for it – instead, call them out on their behavior.
4. Set boundaries
Narcissists will often try to take advantage of you, whether it’s emotionally, financially, or physically. It’s important to set boundaries with them and stick to those boundaries even when they try to push them.
5. Keep your distance
It’s often best to keep your distance from narcissists altogether. They can be toxic people who drain your energy and make you feel bad about yourself. If you can’t avoid them, try to limit your interactions with them as much as possible.
You might also like to read: How To Overcome Offense Biblically?
How to Biblically Deal with a Narcissist?
1. Pray for them.
If you find yourself in a relationship with a narcissist, it can be challenging to know how to deal with them. Here are some tips from the Bible on how to deal with a narcissist:
The Bible says to pray for our enemies, and that includes narcissists. Praying for them can help you see them in a different light and may even help them change their ways.
2. Don’t feed into their ego.
Narcissists love nothing more than having their egos fed. So, please don’t give them the attention or validation they crave. Instead, focus on your own needs and happiness.
3. Set boundaries.
It’s important to set boundaries with narcissists. They will try to take advantage of you if you let them, so make sure you know your limits and stick to them.
4. Speak the truth in love.
Narcissists often live in a world of their reality. So, it’s essential to speak the truth to them in love. This can be not easy, but it’s a meaningful way to help them see things.
5. Don’t enable their bad behavior.
Narcissists often have destructive behaviors that they need to be held accountable for. But, don’t allow these behaviors by excusing them or making excuses. Doing so will only enable their bad behavior and make it worse.
Dealing with a narcissist can be difficult, but if you rely on God’s wisdom, you can find a way to deal with them helpfully and healthily.
Survival Tips for Living with a Narcissist
1. Don’t take anything personally.
Narcissists are experts at playing the victim and making others feel responsible for their pain. Nothing you do will ever be good enough, so it’s important to detach yourself from their constant criticism and negative feedback.
2. Set boundaries and stick to them.
Narcissists love to push people’s buttons, so it’s essential to know your limits and stand firm. Don’t hesitate to walk away or end the conversation if they cross the line.
3. Keep your cool.
Getting into a heated argument with a narcissist is never productive. They will only use your emotions against you, so staying calm and level-headed is essential.
4. Don’t give them any ammunition.
Narcissists are always looking for ways to bring others down, so it’s essential to be careful about what you share. Avoid talking about sensitive topics or anything that could be used to hurt you later on.
If you have to deal with a narcissist, these survival tips can help you get through it. Remember to put your well-being first and don’t let them take control of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sin is narcissism?
Narcissism is often considered a sin because it excessively focuses on oneself. This can lead to selfishness and an inability to empathize with others.
Narcissism can also result in a lack of empathy for others and a focus on one’s needs. This can make narcissists challenging to be around and lead to problems in relationships.
How does a narcissist end a marriage?
It is not uncommon for a narcissist to end a marriage abruptly and without warning. This can be done by simply walking out or telling their spouse that they are no longer in love with them and want a divorce.
Often, the narcissist will make it clear that they are leaving because their spouse is not meeting their needs or because they have found someone else who is a better match for them.
How do you deal with a narcissist outburst?
If you’re in a relationship with a narcissist, you’ll probably experience their outbursts from time to time. These can be triggered by things, from something as small as them not getting their way to feeling like they’re being ignored or disrespected.
When these outbursts occur, it’s essential to remain calm and try to diffuse the situation. Getting into an argument with a narcissist will only worsen things, so it’s best to avoid that. Instead, try to listen to what they’re saying and see if there’s anything you can do to help them calm down.
Final Thoughts
It is important to remember that we are not to judge others but to love them. It is also important to remember that God can help us through any situation, no matter how difficult it may seem. If you are dealing with a narcissist husband, please seek help from a biblical counselor or pastor. You are not alone, and God wants to help you through this difficult time.