Praying for My HusbandExemplo

A Student of My Husband

In marriage, kindness means discerning the unique needs of that specific person. It involves taking the initiative to express care based on what you know of him or her. Kindness in marriage is based on becoming a lifelong “student” of your spouse—seeking to understand that person so that you can best love him or her. The apostle Peter referred to this when he encouraged husbands to “live with your wives in an understanding way” (1 Peter 3:7 NASB). Proverbs encourages a wife to “[look] well to the ways of her household” (31:27 NASB). This kind of understanding paves the way for loving kindness in a marriage. I can show Nick kindness like no one else because I know him so well. For example, I know the shirts he likes and how he needs to have a few minutes of down time after work. I know he likes to hang out with his buddies but there are a few couples who he enjoys as well. I know he prefers to drive, but after a business trip he feels loved if I take the wheel. These demonstrations of kindness are possible because I’ve learned to be a student of my husband.

LISTEN TO JESUS

Remember, my beloved. I am wonderfully kind, patient, and tolerant of you. It was my kindness, in spite of your sin, that first drew you into a relationship with me. Now I’m giving you the opportunity to share some of that kindness with your spouse. Pay it forward every day. Look for ways to demonstrate kindness with your husband. Be generous as I am generous. Take thought of him just as I think of you a thousand times a day. Finally, remember that sharing truth with one another is important, but that truth needs to be coupled with kindness.

* Jesus, you are so right. You have been patient, kind, and tolerant of me even though I ________. I am grateful for your kindness toward me because ________. I pray that you would empower me to demonstrate this same kindness in my marriage. I need your help to ________.

* Lord, I pray that my husband would have a fresh experience with your kindness as well. May he sense your patience and understanding, and the generous way you love us both. I pray specifically that he would sense your kindness related to ________.

LIVE: DO THE BIBLE (Ephesians 4:32)

* God, remind me often of my husband’s preferences and uniquenesses. Show me the things I need to understand about him. Based on these special things about him, show me ways that I can demonstrate your kindness. Show me ways to be respectful and honoring of him. Show me any areas where I need to forgive, just like you’ve forgiven me. Speak to me, Lord. I’m listening for________.

* Lord, I pray for my husband. Give him a fresh experience of your kindness and tenderness. I want him to soak in your forgiveness. Show him more and more of the ways he is loved by you so that ________.

TAKE ACTION

• Give your husband an unexpected hug, back rub, or massage. Initiate sex.

• Serve your husband his favorite meal.

• Compliment him on his appearance.

• Praise your husband for his accomplishment or achievement.

For more inspiring devotions check out the book 31 Days of Prayer for My Husband. For additional resources go to greatcommandment.net