Sunday, February 3, 2008
Day 3: Love Suffers Long, and is Kind...." Cor. 13:4
Posted by Speaking from the Heart at Sunday, February 03, 2008
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19
Love indeed suffers long and is kind. As you consider your Encouragement Challenge, determine today that you will not say anything negative to or about your husband. Speak kindly to him with words of genuine encouragement. If your husband is considerate of your needs, let him know that you have noticed. Thank him for his kindness and consideration. Thank the Lord that your husband knows how to be both tough and tender.
Sometimes it's difficult for a man to be gentle, kind or tender - especially if he hasn't had role models in these areas. If he's not a considerate person, appeal to him for help without complaining. Let him know that it's hard for you to handle some things alone. Then, when he moves in to help, don't insist that he do it your way. Be glad that he is responding, and express your gratitude.
Ultimately, you can't expect your husband to make you feel more secure, loved, etc. Remember that only God can meet the deepest needs of your heart.
When I decided to live by the Word, I also made a decision of being submissive to dear husband. This is a daily consciencious effort for me. Most of the time, we are in an agreement; however, when we are in a disagreement, I have to remember that he is looking out for my best interests.
I used to get upset, when dear husband didn't allow me to attend a monthly homeschool meeting. I was too mad to realize that he was concerned about my safety. A forty something year old wife and mom shouldn't be driving around town by herself at night. Dear husband has every right to be concerned about my welfare. If anything happens to me during these night trips, his and our kids' world will be turned upside down.
Having dear husband as a leader of the home has also reduced my stress level. I don't have to carry the burden on my own. I can lean on dear husband.
Copyright Revive Our Hearts. Written by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Used with permission. http://www.reviveourhearts.com/.
