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Key Bible Verse: She is your equal partner in God's gift of new life (1 Peter 3:7). Bonus Reading: Colossians 3:18–4:1

An insecure husband often establishes his own sense of worth by exerting power of control over his wife. Some evil math in us seems to reason that when we've reduced another's sense of worth, our own increases.

My wife Kathy's grades were far better than mine in school. For two years straight she was selected the outstanding musician at her university. Yet one year after we were married, I'd robbed her of a big chunk of self-worth.

I made this discovery when our washer needed repair. I was busy and asked Kathy to call a repairman while I was at work. She agreed but then didn't get around to calling. The next day she again agreed to call but, when I returned from work, still hadn't. When I confronted her about it, she confessed in tears that she felt incapable of making the call.

That scared me. She felt like a capable driver, I realized, only when I wasn't in the car. She doubted her competence in social gatherings only when I was in the conversation. How, I wondered, have I managed to reduce an able, intelligent person to think so little of herself that she can't make a phone call?

—Bryan Chapell in Each for the Other

My Response: In what ways can I boost my wife's confidence?

Thought to Apply: A marriage in which each person brings ideas, attitudes, and approaches—even to the point of creating disagreements—is a marriage that will build on the best both partners have to offer. —Neil Clark Warren (psychologist)

Adapted from Each for the Other (Baker, 1998) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Dear Father, because we live together every day, it's become easy to take for granted Your gift to me of a life's partner. Help me to suitably treasure her.

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