How to Truly Encourage the Spiritual Life of Your Husband
I couldn’t say when I first noticed.
We were in the midst of so many trials at the time that it’s hard to tell when it really began. Troubles in the church. Hardships at home. Challenges at work. So much was swirling about us that I didn’t notice how heavy it was on his soul.
But then one day I watched as he walked by with his shoulders slumped over and his stride too slow. As if burdened by some great weight and it was all he could do to carry it across the floor.
My heart went out to him. I was rather worried. and a little afraid.
I mean, what do you do when your own man is down? Discouraged? Defeated?
Maybe your husband is different than mine. But mine doesn’t necessarily want me come in and deliver a powerful sermon or even a spiritual rah-rah. He doesn’t appreciate me stating the obvious or reminding him of one more way he’s failed.
Let’s face it, pointing out to him – Doesn’t seem like you’re walking in the Spirit, dear – isn’t all that helpful.
Don’t nag or badger him. I have yet to hear a husband testify that his wife “nagged him back to church”, if you know what I mean? If anything this approach only makes things worse, so put your energies toward those things that will help.
Such as….
Notice the good things that he does.
*This is Part 2 of a 3-Part series. You can also read Part 1 here: Pursuing a Deeper Spiritual Life in Your Marriage. Coming next week: When You Want to Make a Big Difference in Your Marriage
Read the rest of this helpful list here: http://club31women.com/2014/01/truly-encourage-spiritual-life-husband/
We were in the midst of so many trials at the time that it’s hard to tell when it really began. Troubles in the church. Hardships at home. Challenges at work. So much was swirling about us that I didn’t notice how heavy it was on his soul.
But then one day I watched as he walked by with his shoulders slumped over and his stride too slow. As if burdened by some great weight and it was all he could do to carry it across the floor.
My heart went out to him. I was rather worried. and a little afraid.
I mean, what do you do when your own man is down? Discouraged? Defeated?
Maybe your husband is different than mine. But mine doesn’t necessarily want me come in and deliver a powerful sermon or even a spiritual rah-rah. He doesn’t appreciate me stating the obvious or reminding him of one more way he’s failed.
Let’s face it, pointing out to him – Doesn’t seem like you’re walking in the Spirit, dear – isn’t all that helpful.
So what can a wife do to encourage her husband?
Call out to God on his behalf. This is not an ordinary “pray for him.” This is about true supplication: a crying out to God to work in his life. To minister, convict, or encourage him—depending on the need.Don’t nag or badger him. I have yet to hear a husband testify that his wife “nagged him back to church”, if you know what I mean? If anything this approach only makes things worse, so put your energies toward those things that will help.
Such as….
Notice the good things that he does.
*This is Part 2 of a 3-Part series. You can also read Part 1 here: Pursuing a Deeper Spiritual Life in Your Marriage. Coming next week: When You Want to Make a Big Difference in Your Marriage
Read the rest of this helpful list here: http://club31women.com/2014/01/truly-encourage-spiritual-life-husband/
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