Encouraging 12-13
Day Twelve
"With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love."
(Eph. 4:2)
Part of the difficulty you may face as you continue in this 30-day challenge to encourage your husband is that you really are struggling to find positive things to praise. Perhaps the problem is not with your husband. Have you checked your own heart?
Sometimes we get disillusioned because of our own unreasonable or unrealistic expectations
(Prov. 13:12). It may not be that our mates are doing something wrong; it's simply that we expect too much in some areas.
Our expectations must be met in God alone, and then we will have the right perspective to ask God for the healing and grace we need to respond to others.
How sad that we give more grace to others than to those in our own homes. Today, try to look at your husband through eyes of grace. Verbally thank your husband for what he is already doing.
Journaling Thought:Describe ways God has shown grace to you. Examine ways you can extend that same grace to your husband.
Day Thirteen
I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me. (Song of Solomon 7:10)
The sexual relationship. It's one of those elements—along with money and children—that can derail a marriage through negative comments. Negativity destroys intimacy, but encouragement builds and strengthens the marriage bond.
Let's get practical here. Is your husband a "good lover?" Have you told him so? Be specific. Let him know when he pleases you. Most husbands genuinely want to please their wives, especially in this important area of marriage.
In moments of intimacy, do you find your mind wandering? This can change as you focus on something wonderful about your husband. Realize that your husband wants intimacy with you . . .
his desire is toward you.
Does this area of your marriage need some work? Remember that this is a sensitive area for men.
Be sure to encourage his lovemaking and masculinity in positive ways.
Journaling Thought:Does your husband feel affirmed by you romantically?
"With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love."
(Eph. 4:2)
Part of the difficulty you may face as you continue in this 30-day challenge to encourage your husband is that you really are struggling to find positive things to praise. Perhaps the problem is not with your husband. Have you checked your own heart?
Sometimes we get disillusioned because of our own unreasonable or unrealistic expectations
(Prov. 13:12). It may not be that our mates are doing something wrong; it's simply that we expect too much in some areas.
Our expectations must be met in God alone, and then we will have the right perspective to ask God for the healing and grace we need to respond to others.
How sad that we give more grace to others than to those in our own homes. Today, try to look at your husband through eyes of grace. Verbally thank your husband for what he is already doing.
Journaling Thought:Describe ways God has shown grace to you. Examine ways you can extend that same grace to your husband.
Day Thirteen
I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me. (Song of Solomon 7:10)
The sexual relationship. It's one of those elements—along with money and children—that can derail a marriage through negative comments. Negativity destroys intimacy, but encouragement builds and strengthens the marriage bond.
Let's get practical here. Is your husband a "good lover?" Have you told him so? Be specific. Let him know when he pleases you. Most husbands genuinely want to please their wives, especially in this important area of marriage.
In moments of intimacy, do you find your mind wandering? This can change as you focus on something wonderful about your husband. Realize that your husband wants intimacy with you . . .
his desire is toward you.
Does this area of your marriage need some work? Remember that this is a sensitive area for men.
Be sure to encourage his lovemaking and masculinity in positive ways.
Journaling Thought:Does your husband feel affirmed by you romantically?
