Wives

 

our beautiful Gabbi
(Ben's wife, 2008)

"An excellent wife, who can find her? For her worth is far above jewels." (Proverbs 31:10)

When my Rebecca first married, God told her that her job as a new wife was to be for her husband. Wives, today, I write to "spur you on toward love and good deeds." (Hebrews 10:24) and encourage you to pursue your man and fight for your marriage. 

1. Encourage him and affirm him. "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up." (1 Thess. 5:11)

2. Treat him with respect and follow his leadership. "Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see your purity and reverence of your lives." (1 Peter 3:1-2)

3. Maintain a gentle and quiet spirit. "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment. . . rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great value in God's sight." (1 Peter 3:3-4)

4. Forgive him and keep no records of wrongs. "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Eph. 4:32) "Love is patient and kind...love is not selfish or irritable; love keeps no record of wrongs." (1 Cor. 13:4-5)

As a little girl, my daddy gave me advice that has impacted me as a wife. He said, "Some women after they get married, let themselves go. But your mother always gets up, fixes her hair, puts on her makeup, and looks her best for me." Thank you, Daddy, for great advice. And thank You, Heavenly Father, for Your instructions to wives.

"Charm is deceptive and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her." (Proverbs 31:30, 28)