She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life.
These days it seems that more and more marriages are failing. Especially with Christians. Marriage has always been hard. Mainly because people run into it with unrealistic expectations. I think society has been warped by romance novels and "feel good" cinema that we expect marriage to be perfect. Or at least close to it.
What does the above verse mean to you? Here is what I think it means. Bring him good: 1.)Praise your husband as often as possible; about work, about his parenting, about his abilities, his accomplishments, his desire to be married to you...still. 2.) Encourage him in every possible area. The above list is a good place to start. 3.) Smile at him more often than you feel like smiling. 4.) Help him. Help with his chores, especially a chore that he isn't all too fond of. Offer help with projects that he has taken on, whether they be laborious or clerical. 5.) Compliment him regularly. This verse describes a wife of noble character. That wife brings good to her husband.
Do not bring him harm (the second part of the verse). Avoid being too critical. Avoid withholding affection or intimacy. Avoid complaining or putting him down. Avoid showing love based only on condition. Avoid feeding him meals that are unhealthy for him. Avoid talking disrespectfully about him to others, even your closest friend. Avoid flirtatious behavior with other men. Remember a wife of noble character does not bring harm to him.
love this so so so true!! and to add to that get rid of the expectations. learn to make the things you want to change work for you. The most freeing thing in my marriage was when i let go of unrealistic expectations in how Bobby is wired. I look back and thank God the changes never happened. I've learned to use them to my benefit and wouldn't change it at all now.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!!!!may our Lord put a deep conviction in the hearts of married couples to love and protect the integrity of their marriages