Day 15

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Pet. 3:18a)

Sometimes we live so close to our spouse that we fail to see him as others do; we only see our husband's faults. But take a step back. Perhaps he is growing spiritually in ways you have failed to appreciate. How can you encourage his growth in a fresh, new way? Remember, your husband is accountable to God for his spiritual development. You are accountable to God to encourage and not hinder that growth.

Can you identify an area of spiritual strength in your husband? Does he pray or read his Bible regularly? Does he like to read about or discuss spiritual matters? Does he go to church with you? Is he a spiritual leader? What do others say about him? If you can identify a specific area, praise him for that.

If not, pray earnestly that God will work in his heart, and watch for signs of spiritual growth in the future.

---

This is tricky. Neither one of us is very religious at the moment. We both believe in God and know him and love him. But we don’t do anything as a family or separately to grow spiritually.

We don’t talk about it much. If at all ever. But I do pray from time to time. I just don’t know what the LT does when it comes to this subject.

I do know that he’s a believer, and we both love the Lord. So that has to count for something.

Day 14

yes, I skipped day 13, but it was because it is about the sexual relationship, and that is not for a public blog…

---

The righteous man walks in his integrity. (Prov. 20:7a)

Every week there are news reports about men who gave in to temptations and compromised what they said they believed. We hear countless reports about dishonest business dealings, hidden infidelity, and hypocritical leaders. It's so easy to focus on
these things and ignore those who are being honest, faithful and genuine. As you continue in the "30-Day Encouragement Challenge," determine to look for ways that your husband stands against the culture.

Is your spouse a man of integrity? Is he fair in his dealings with people? Does he understand the meaning of justice? Is he honest in business? Unhypocritical in his
faith? Consider all the ways a man can live in integrity, and praise your husband for one of them.

As you have the opportunity—as it is appropriate—share examples of your husband's honesty and integrity with others.

---

I might be bias but I think my husband is fair and honest. I’ve never known him to be dishonest. I can’t think of any time where he’s not had integrity for others. Now, my memory is miserable, so I can’t think of times when he was, but I’ve never known him to NOT be those things.

Day 12

With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love. (Eph. 4:2)

Part of the difficulty you may face as you continue in this 30-day challenge to encourage your husband is that you really are struggling to find positive things to praise. Perhaps the problem is not with your husband. Have you checked your own heart?

Sometimes we get disillusioned because of our own unreasonable or unrealistic expectations (Prov. 13:12). It may not be that our mates are doing something wrong; it's simply that we expect too much in some areas.

Our expectations must be met in God alone, and then we will have the right perspective to ask God for the healing and grace we need to respond to others.

How sad that we give more grace to others than to those in our own homes. Today, try to look at your husband through eyes of grace. Verbally thank your husband for what he is already doing.

---

I think the hardest part of this challenge for me is to be consistent in blogging through it. I have no problem speaking positives on my husband, because I truly love him and think he’s an amazing person and husband, and will make a wonderful father one day.

I hope I get to speak with my husband today, and tell him thank you.

Day 11

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. (Eph. 5:22)

Women who are constantly negative toward their husbands—especially by speaking evil of them to others—show great disrespect. Determine not to do that today (or ever!). This challenge to encourage is closely connected to submission.

Men respond to women who respect them. What do you respect about your husband? Part of that respect includes submission to his authority. Let your husband know how respecting him makes it easier to submit to his leadership. Show your respect in public by listening to him and smiling at him when he speaks. Place your hand in his as you walk together.

If you feel there is nothing to respect, search harder . . . nearly every man has some core characteristic that can be nurtured and respected. In any case, you must still cultivate a submissive spirit to his position of leadership "as to the Lord."

---

The one thing I respect about my husband is his job. He’s an officer in the U.S. Army, and that to me deserves SO much respect. I sometimes get so mad at people who trash talk our troops, and who won’t stand up for them. I don’t tolerate that kind of thing, especially now that I’m married to someone who is giving up things in order for these people to trash talk.

The long deployments and long hours when he’s home sure stink, but I respect him for wanting to do this to provide for our family and for the people of this country. My favorite quote when it comes to this type of thing is “If you don’t stand behind our troops, stand in front of them.”