February 14th is the day when many husbands and wives all over the United States declare their love for their spouses, usually with flowers, trinkets, and special dinners. Yet love shouldn’t be shown only one day out of 365. It should be shown all the time, in every way. Wives can show love to their husbands in a plethora of ways. If you’d like some tips on how to love your husband all year long, keep reading.
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“...pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
One of the best ways to show your husband you love him is by offering up prayers for him throughout the year. Women may never know the spiritual attacks levied against their husbands. James 5:16 teaches that effective prayer accomplishes much. Your prayers can heal, comfort, and protect your husband. In addition, your prayers can help him make wise decisions. Wives don't need to critique. We need to pray.
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“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)
Everyone likes to be supported. Everyone needs a cheerleader on their team. Your husband may not always tell you so, but he needs you to support him. If he’s contemplating a career change, your wisdom and support will help him do the right thing. If he’s trying to lose weight or get healthy, your support will be essential. Find ways to support him and do them. He needs you in his corner, rooting for him. By doing so, you show him that you love him.
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“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (Colossians 4:6)
Just as everyone needs to be supported, everyone also needs to hear they’re doing a good job. Don’t forget to affirm your husband throughout the year. Tell him he’s a great husband and father. Buy him trinkets, cook his favorite meal, or treat him to his favorite restaurant throughout the year to show your husband that you appreciate him.
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“Wives, be subjected to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:22)
Wives are called to submit themselves to their husbands. For many wives, submit is a dirty word, but in the eyes of God, it is not. If your husband is submitted to God and is being led by God’s Spirit, then your submission to your husband is submission to God. Rebellion against your husband is rebellion against God. Submitting to a godly husband is one of the best ways to show your husband you love him throughout the year. Give your husband the honor and respect that are due to him.
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“Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” (Hebrews 13:4)
Intimacy is a taboo topic in many Christian circles. However, sex is a beautiful act between a husband and wife and was created by God for our enjoyment. Although it seems as though many husbands most often initiate intimacy, it's ok for wives to initiate it as well. Men want to feel loved, and sex is one of the best ways to show love for their husbands. Take the initiative this year and show your husband how much you love him.
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When I’m counseling couples, one of the things I like to challenge them with is trying to outdo one another in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5. You know this very familiar passage of Scripture:
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked.”
Imagine what would happen if husbands and wives all over the world attempted to show these attributes to their spouses. Marriages would be healed, restored, and made stronger. The divorce rate would plummet. And children wouldn't have to be raised in broken families. Although I typically challenge husbands and wives to show these attributes to one another, for this article, I'm going to challenge wives to demonstrate these attributes to your husbands all year long.
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I’m sure husbands all over America would agree that a patient wife is a blessing to both them and their children. An impatient, nagging, spoiled wife isn’t a blessing to anyone. When your husband makes mistakes, and he will, be patient with him. Extend grace and mercy to him. Ladies, we aren’t perfect; we make mistakes too. Don’t we want our husbands to extend patience to us? We need to show him the same courtesy.
A kind wife looks out for others, especially for her husband. It seems the art of simply being nice has gone away. However, a nice, kind wife goes the extra mile to help her husband. She seeks to be of help instead of a hindrance.
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Jealous wives show a lack of trust in their husbands. Unfortunately, some husbands have given their wives a reason not to trust them. However, if your husband hasn’t given you a reason to distrust him, then give him the trust that he deserves.
No one likes a braggart. The wife who loves her husband doesn’t seek attention by bragging on herself. Show your husband you love him by eliminating bragging from your life. Better yet, brag and boast in God.
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Along with being unassuming, the wife who loves her husband is modest. She's confident in God and her relationship with Him, but she isn't arrogant. Show your husband you love him by being humble instead of arrogant.
A loud, rude wife is an embarrassment to her husband. Wives should be mature, carrying themselves as daughters of the most-high God. By doing so, you show your husband you love him.
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A marriage is a partnership. Spouses should work together for the betterment of the marriage, their family, and the kingdom of God. A wife who only looks out for herself isn’t showing love to her husband. Show your husband you love him all year by being selfless.
Have you ever met someone who’s easily angered? They make you walk on eggshells because you don’t know what’s going to set them off. Now, imagine having to live with someone like that. An easily-angered, temperamental wife isn't an easy person with whom to live. Show your husband you love him by being slow to anger.
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Being a forgiving person isn't easy, but we can do it with the Holy Spirit's help. I know your husband sometimes rubs you the wrong way and sometimes does things that vex your spirit. However, if you keep bringing those things up whenever you get upset with him, that's not showing love. Instead, all Christians are called to forgive one another. Extend forgiveness to your husband and show him you love him all year long.
When husbands and wives genuinely love one another, Valentine's Day can be every day of the year. Don't wait until February 14 to show your husband you love him. Show him every day by praying for him, being supportive of him, affirming him, submitting to him, and walking in love toward him every day.
Aretha Grant serves her local church as a bible teacher and elder. She loves writing and is the author of Overcomer: 25 Keys to Walking Victoriously. Aretha resides in Hagerstown, MD with her husband and two youngest children. You can read Aretha’s blog at www.arethagrant.com.
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