I don't know about you, but I have truly benefited from my study in Proverbs about marriage. I am continuing to learn so much. I sincerely hope this series has benefited you and that you are seeing God work in your life and in your marriage.
Today, we are looking at Proverbs 11. As I studied through this chapter, I asked God to open my eyes to what He wanted me to learn to help my own marriage, but also to give me direction for writing this post.
In my reading, I discovered that nourishing and refreshing my husband benefits me as much as it does him.
"Your own soul is nourished when you are kind." (verse 17)
We all know that when we are kind to our husbands, it generally works out well for all those involved. But, how often, as wives, are we tempted to answer our husbands disdainfully or with sarcasm in our voice?
From the beginning of time, women have struggled with wanting to have their way.
It's during times of conflict that I need to draw deeply from the truth of God's Word and remember it's the new life of Christ pulsing through my spiritual veins and not my Great Grandmother Eve's anymore.
It's a hard battle and one I often fail to triumph in, but I must make it a priority to speak kindly to my husband, even in the midst of conflict.
Another truth from chis chapter is that "those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed."
It feels good to know that I have done what I can to bless my husband in various ways. It might be something simple like making the bed, picking up the laundry from the bathroom floor, cleaning the hair out of the bottom of the tub, a quick tidy up of the house before he gets home, or just the fact that there's a nice homemade meal for him that evening.
Wives, we need to be godly so that we can bear "life-giving fruit" in our marriages (verse 30). Our world has taken it's eyes off the true meaning of marriage, which is to love and sacrifice on the behalf of another. It's a picture of what Christ did for us on the Cross and what He continues to do day in and day out.
It is a blessing to be married to a godly man and if we have one, we need to cherish our time with our him. We often forget that our days our limited. We need to do good towards our man today.
In studying this chapter, I am reminded of the verses directed towards husbands in Psalm 128:1-4.
"How happy are those who fear the Lord--all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How happy you will be! How rich your life! Your wife will be like a fruitful vine, flourishing within your home. And look at all those children! There they sit around your table as vigorous and healthy as young olive trees. That is the Lord's reward for those who fear him."
Are we helping our husbands fulfill all that God has intended for him by nourishing his soul instead of tearing him down?
Ask yourself these questions: Am I showing kindness to my husband? Am I refreshing his soul? Am I seeing the results of godly living in my marriage?
Challenge yourself with this: What is one thing I can do today that would show kindness towards my husband? Even if it's just one thing, it's a step in the right direction. I'm praying for you! Will you pray for me?
Join me tomorrow as we study Proverbs chapter 12. Just getting started on the series? Catch up with all the posts on my landing page between now and October 31.
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5 comments:
Sometimes I struggle with showing kindness. That sarcasm sneaks in and before I know it I've fired off a heated reply. Great post to remind me that it's my honor to get to be kind!
We've been through an intense season of financial struggle over the last four years and sometimes the stress gets to us. It's hard to be kind at times, but I know that God is the one who gives me that grace. Thanks for linking up. Have a blessed weekend.
I'm a work in progress too, Lauren> :)
Barbie, I completely understand. We've been there, too!
I have a new baby and I think the hubs feels a tiny bit neglected. I'm tired and cranky and can be short with him. I will make a point to do something kind for him today.
Warriorhippie,
That's great. I'm sure your husband will appreciate the gesture of love and I'm saying a prayer for you because when we have a new baby in our life, that's the hardest time for wives to give to others. (At least for me!) We are just trying to SURVIVE amiright sister??
Hugs!
Becky
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