Day Five:
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for
necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Eph. 4:29
Another way to describe the positive side of this "30-Day Encouragement Challenge" is
by using the word "edify," which means, "to build up." Negative comments only
discourage and tear down. Positive comments encourage and build.
Do you edify your husband before others, adding to his value in their eyes? This is
especially important to other family members.
Do you praise your husband to his relatives, and yours? Does your husband's mother
know how much you love him? How about your dad? Perhaps you can drop a word of
praise into a conversation or letter. Be creative in letting your relatives know that you
respect your husband, love him, and support him - in spite of whatever flaws and
weaknesses he may have.
Day Six:
"...whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Cor. 10:31b
Do you recognize and appreciate your husband's creativity? Or do you criticize and
demean his efforts? Instead of negativity, determine to be positive. Perhaps you can
help your husband see that his efforts are an opportunity to glorify God.
Is your husband the "creative" type? Does he have any artistic gifts? What is that
special "knack" he has? Affirm him for his handiwork - a hobby, music, gardening,
tinkering with cars, working with wood, etc. Remember: Even if he doesn't measure up
to your standards, praise his efforts. If your budget allows, buy him a book or magazine
that will continue to encourage his special skill or talent.
If you have a hard time finding his "creative side," understand that men's creativity
sometimes is related to their work. Find something he does to make his job run more
smoothly or something he does that adds value to his work...and let him know that you
have noticed.
Make his day...Praise his accomplishments in public, while he is listening.
Day Seven:
"Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease!...for riches
certainly make themselves wings..." Prov. 23:4-5
"That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries."
Proverbs 8:21
Money is the root of much marital discord. Ask yourself, "Am I being negative toward my
husband in the area of finances?" Determine not to speak evil of your husband in this
area. Discover ways to encourage and help him instead.
By Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Published by Revive Our Hearts, © 2005. Permission granted to photocopy in the exact form, including copyright. All other uses
require written permission.
Revive Our Hearts * P.O. Box 2000, Niles, MI 49120 *
www.ReviveOurHearts.com
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Does your husband handle finances wisely? Does he make good financial investments,
based on biblical principles? Does he have a budget? Does he make wise decisions
about purchases - checking many sources before he buys? Is he a good steward of his
money before the Lord? Let him know how much you appreciate his strengths in
financial matters.
If he is weak in this area, encourage any good decisions that he does make. Perhaps
you can help him, if he's open to the idea, by organizing financial files or providing other
practical assistance. Or, if he wants you to handle the finances, ask for his input before
you make decisions that will affect him.
***
Are you enjoying this "30-Day Encouragement Challenge"? Have you learned
something about your own relationship with the Lord as you seek to encourage your
husband? Why not take a minute to jot a note to us at Revive Our Hearts, to share with
us how God is touching your heart? Just go here:
http://www.reviveourhearts.com/interact/contactus.htm
