Valentine's day - Ellen Chauvin | Soaked & Sprouting

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Over the next three weeks, I’ll share with you some suggestions for loving your husband. I’m not perfect at this. Matter of fact, I’m writing it as a reminder to myself: These are things I need to put into practice, or continue practicing, in my marriage.

In her book “What Men Need Most,” Shaunti Feldhan states “The most important aspect of demonstrating respect: It is a choice. A choice we make out of reverence for God and love for our husbands. Just as men can choose to demonstrate love toward us even if they don’t feel it at the moment, so we can and should demonstrate respect toward them.” Choose to respect your husband. Hold him in high esteem. Respect his leadership in your family (1 Cor. 11:3). Respect his provision for your family. Decrease the complaints and increase the compliments. Show respect to him with your body language and actions. Do you roll your eyes when he makes a comment? Do you slam a door or throw things when you’re angry (yes, I have). Let’s stop. Let’s show more respect to our husbands.

In my opinion, this shows the highest respect. When someone looks you in the eye, and focuses on you while you are talking, you know they care. Take time to listen to your husband. Listen with your ears, your eyes and your body language. Show him you care.

Give your husband some encouragement. Be his biggest cheerleader. He works hard. Give him a standing ovation when he comes home from work. Tell him what a great job he does with repairs around the house. If the yard looks great after he mows and trims it, let him know. Acknowledge his job well done. When you admire what he’s done or how he’s handled a situation, be sure you tell him. These words will go a long way to lift your husband’s spirits: “Honey, you handled that so well!”