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Marriage is a two-way love street. Your husband depends on you for attention, encouragement, ideas, and opportunities to serve you, and you depend on him for the same. The tough part is that each person has the freedom to choose to take these actions. Choose for yourself—then make it easy for your husband also to encourage, give, and serve. Ways to do this include:

1. Be appreciative. Few people can resist giving to someone who appreciates them. Thank your husband for the money he earns, the attention he gives you, the understanding you share, and much more (3:16, 17).
2. Be wise. Time what you say and do. Don't interrupt when your husband has a critical need to talk. Don't hold back crucial advice at decision time. Let God show you what to say, the tone to use, and the time to say it (3:16).
3. Work for the peace of Christ. Peace is not giving in, but confidently doing the right thing. Find places to build peace (3:15, 16)
4. Remember your connection to God. You and your husband are two parts of the body of Jesus Christ. Treat your husband the way you'll treat Jesus (3:15).

If Jesus would do it, you do it. And if you'd be pleased to put Jesus' name with this action or attitude, it's likely a good choice. (See also Proverbs 31:10-31; Ecclesiastes 7:11-14.)

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful …. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:15-17

Think of one special thing you can do for your husband this week, and then do it!

Copyright 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.

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