SATURDAY Q & A – 12/3/11
Question #1: How can I regain the respect I’ve lost for my husband?
Answer:
That’s a difficult struggle, because Ephesians 5:33 makes it clear that wives are to respect their husbands. I suggest you make a real effort to think of things you can still respect about your husband. You have to choose to focus on the positive if you want to make your marriage last.
Pull back from the daily routine of life, look at him objectively, and say, “What is good about him? What did I respect in the first place?” Study him again and don’t allow yourself to be blinded by his weaknesses and inadequacies, the things you don’t like.
Some of these positive things may seem basic, but they really are important. In fact, it’s easy for a wife to take some of these things for granted. The fact that a husband goes to work and provides for the family financially is worthy of respect. Maybe he plays ball with your son or daughter. That’s worthy of respect.
You may wish he did more, but if you let him know how much you appreciate what he does, he will feel encouraged. Say, “I’m glad I’m married to a man who’s faithful to provide for his family.” Or write him a note expressing your appreciation and admiration.
NOTE: This question and answer was from an article in the Family Life Marriage Bible by Dennis and Barbara Rainey.
NOTE: Daily there is a new post to help your marriage be a success.
LOVE YOUR SPOUSE 
Thank you Sister Nancy. One of the hardest things I had to do was to speak positively about my husband to our children while he was back slidden. I would remind them of how much pride he took in them and how much he loved them. No matter how angry, hurt or upset I got I never expressed that to my children. I did find myself not respecting him and I knew I was treading on dangerous waters. I knew one day God would restore our family and I wanted to make his home coming as smooth as possible.
I DAILY had to remind myself of why I fell in love with him in the first place and look for even the smallest remnants of that man. Gradually it became easier. I have regained the respect I lost and he has regained his self-respect. “Building Your Mate’s Self-Respect” by Dennis&Barbara Rainey was also very helpful.
Hi L.Lopez! Thanks for your encouraging comment. When we put our love for God and our children first, we can go far beyond our own strength. Your family is a living testimony of Gods miracle working power. God is great!!! You are a marvelous women of God!
Thank you, coming from you that really means a lot! We missed you at MM today but of course we love Sis Gracie! God is so good, how could I be anything but grateful! I’m blessed to be surrounded by so many powerful examples of godly marriages…
This is a wonderful reminder. This was one of my struggles for a long time. GOD has rewarded me for respecting my husband. Before I would always mention and nag about how much I had to do and did while he would not worry about anything (finances, phone calls, kids school issues) With prayer and by taking your advice (reading Love your Spouse blog) Now, my husband compliments me. The other day he said to me…I love you for being so wise in decision making, I was very surprised!!!! I felt not worthy of such recognition but it was one of the best rewards ever….Praise GOD!!! I thank the LORD for changing my ways. It is so rewarding when you just listen and put into practice God’s way. It is so exciting it is hard to express it with words….
Hi Gabby! Thanks so much for your great comment! The same thing happened to me years ago. My husband complimented me “out of the blue” when I wasn’t expecting it and on something I thought he hadn’t noticed. To me, I felt like God made him see the effort that I was making to have a good attitude on issues that bother me. It was like a gift from heaven. I still get excited about it and try to continue on the road to success. Your testimony will encourage others.