8 Great Ways to Honor Your Wife: “How is Your Heart?”

by David Chadwick

I am sharing “8 Greats” for how you, husbands, can honor your wives. Each day, I am giving men a new tool for your toolbox.

God wants to give you simple solutions. We know this because Jesus says in Matthew 11:30, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” If this is true, which we know it is, then we have to take him at his word. He came to set captives free (Isaiah 61:1).

Here is today’s tool. Ask your wife this question often: “How is your heart?” After all, the heart of the matter is a matter of the heart.

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flows the springs of life.” Everything flows from your heart. If your heart is broken or crushed, it will affect the rest of your life.

Jesus furthers this teaching in Mark 7:20-23. He knew that what is inside a person will ultimately be what defiles them. “Evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.”

Husbands, you may very well be the instrument God uses to unclog the well of your wife’s heart by asking this simple question. Try to figure out what is going on in your beloved’s heart. It may take some time, but remember, she is worth it. Listen to what she says. Take note. Then spend time together praying into what she shares.

Pray Scripture over her that aligns with where her heart feels broken or crushed. Is coveting stuffed inside? Read Psalm 90:14. Envy? Try Proverbs 14:30. Slander? Read Proverbs 16:24. And so on and so forth. This will wash her with the water of the word (Ephesians 5:26).

Asking this question, “How is your heart?” and responding with tenderness and the truths of God’s word will honor your wife. It will draw you two closer together as one flesh: the goal of all marriage!

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This series is adapted from the book, 8 Great Ways to Honor Your Wife by David Chadwick. To download your free PDF copy of this book, please visit our website by clicking here!

8 Great Ways to Honor Your Wife: “Respect Her Opinion”

by David Chadwick

We are taking two weeks to look at 8 great ways that husbands can honor their wives. When honor is in the foundation of a marriage, God is honored. Both people thrive. And the family gets healthier.

In God’s original intent for marriage, a husband and wife become one flesh (Genesis 2:24).

A reflection of his nature and character occurs. A demonstration of the love Jesus has for the church - his bride.

Because a husband and wife are one flesh, God often uses a wife to speak into his will for the husband. A wife’s insights are to be heard and cherished.

The tool for today: respect her opinion.

Wives need to be heard, honored, and respected. A wife’s voice should be valued and prized.  She, too, is made in the image of God and carries perspectives of his heart.

You, as a husband, are called in Ephesians 5:25-27 to love your wife. To give yourself up for her. To cleanse her by giving her a consistent depiction of Jesus.

I once told my wife Marilynn, “I’d be wiling to die for you.”  She quickly responded, “That’s great! Just make sure you also are willing to live for me as well.”

Great point!

Husbands should listen to what their wives have to say and consider their suggestions. This will help her feel loved.

There are many different ways to say, “I love you” to your wife with more than mere words. Sometimes it’s through loving touch. Other times by listening to her heart and dreams. It’s by building memories and having fun together. And, at times, it’s by respecting her opinion.

Choose to seek out her opinion and respect it. Value it. Cherish it. Ask her for it. On matters great and small. If what she is suggesting aligns with what is the obvious right thing to do, do it.

This is a great way to increase closeness, intimacy and oneness.

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This series is adapted from the book, 8 Great Ways to Honor Your Wife by David Chadwick. To download your free PDF copy of this book, please visit our website by clicking here!

8 Great Ways to Honor Your Wife: “Encourage Her Gifts”

by David Chadwick

I want to see biblical manhood reflected in the church. I want husbands to know how to honor their wives, creating strong marriages. I want to see strong, healthy families who love the Lord with all their hearts, souls, minds, and strength.

I believe a strong family starts with a strong marriage. And a strong marriage starts with humble men who know how to honor their wives.

We are looking at 8 great ways for husbands to develop a culture of honor with their wives.

Here is the next tool: encourage her gifts!

Your wife has a call from God that he has given her to accomplish (Ephesians 2:10). There is a call from God inside of her that only she can do. It is different from yours. Help her find out what that work is. Then, help her do it.

Study her. Watch what she loves to do. Ask her what she loves to do. Maybe start with some simple questions like, “What brings you life?” or “What sucks the life out of you?” Then take some time to dream with her. See what God has put inside of her. And then help her accomplish it.

For example, my wife Marilynn loves to learn. I have always known that. So, when she approaches me with opportunities for further learning and study, I want to do whatever I can to support her in making that happen!

In the 1980s, I watched her earn a Masters in Counseling from a local university. Within the last year, she received a Master’s in Christian Practice from Duke University – and, yes, summa cum laude in both degrees (I’m bragging, but so proud!). I have also loved seeing her use these gifts in teaching, which is her primary passion.

Husbands, as you set your wife up to win and encourage the flourishing of her gifts, it helps you become closer and closer.

And yet another tool to foster honor and for two to become one!

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This series is adapted from the book, 8 Great Ways to Honor Your Wife by David Chadwick. To download your free PDF copy of this book, please visit our website by clicking here!