As wives, it is important to support and encourage our husbands regularly. It is easy to think men have it all under control and forget that they need encouragement as well. This is especially important coming from their wives; they need to be constantly reminded that they are needed and are valued. I am also guilty of this; my husband encourages me a lot but I often times forget to do the same for him.
I am grateful that he is able to share his emotions with me especially when he is struggling with something work related, however it’s still important to remember to affirm him.
As wives and more importantly as Godly women of God, we have so much influence over our husbands we do not even realize how much. As husband and wife, you are on the same team. Myself and my husband value each others opinions so it definitely means a lot to us when we encourage each other.
Personally, encouraging each other has been even more important since we had our daughter. I shared a blog post about some practical tips to surviving the first few years of marriage after kids. When children come into the picture, you tend to have to be more intentional with making time for your marriage and for each other.
Ways to encourage your husband
1. Pray for him
It’s important to keep our husbands in prayers daily. The devil hates marriages and finds loopholes to come through. Let your husband know you are always praying for him. You may think this does not do anything, but it does. Imagine him going through a tough day at work, but knowing his wife is constantly praying for him.
For me, knowing my husband prays for me regularly helps me through my day and through decisions.
2. Lift him up when he is down
There will be times when your husband is down or discouraged, this is when you should stand by him and lift him up. It is not the time to criticize him or remind him of his mistakes or pull him down. Instead brainstorm together if you need to, but most of all, be there to lift him up.
3. Listen to him
Listen when he is speaking with you. I am guilty of this, sometimes I tune out especially when it is not something I am interested in, however it is important we listen because it’s important to them.
We as women love to talk, imagine your husband tuning out every time because you talk too much lol. Also actively listen rather than thinking about your perfect response to what he is saying.
4. Show that you love him
There are so many little ways we can show our husbands we love them. Write little notes and hide them, text them, say it to their faces, help them out etc. There are a million ways we can show our husbands we love them and encourage them.
5. Say thank you
When he does something say thank you and show that you appreciate him. Even when he has not done anything, remember things he has done in the past and show him how grateful you are for them. I love being appreciated and I know most of us do.
6. Let him lead
God called men to be leaders and the heads of the homes. Allow your husband to show this God given gift by leading the family. Be there to encourage him and offer counsel when needed but do not try to take the role that God has placed them in. Having a husband that is confident in leading the family is important especially in playing the fatherly role in the lives of your children.
7. Tell him how proud you are of him
If he has done something great, let him know you are proud of him, don’t hoard your compliments lol. If he is doing great at work, or at home or anywhere, tell him you are proud of him for whatever it is and mean it.
8. Don’t give up on him
Never give up on your husband no matter what. God joined both of you together to be a team and fight together as one. Always be there to cheer him on.
9. Be a safe haven for him
Be a safe place for him to pour out his emotions without feeling judged. Do not criticize his mistakes, be a shoulder he can rest upon. Imagine being scolded at work or outside and then coming home and being scolded again. That does not make for a safe haven. Let him be free to be himself without fear of being judged. Be there to support and cheer him on.
One pastor put it nicely, be a WIFE and not a KNIFE.
10. Let him know you need him
Men need to be needed and want to be wanted. Let him know you need him no matter how independent you may think you are. Let him know he means the world to you and is a very important part of your life.
Practical tips to encourage your husband
- Write notes and hide them for him to find
- Tell him how proud you are of him to his face
- Take him out on a special date
- Initiate sex first
- Cook his favorite meal
- Send a sweet text to him
What are some ways you aim to lift up your husband in marriage? let’s discuss below.