Most of my life I was raised by my step-dad. Bert (as I call him) still to this day spends at least every other sentence telling me how much he loves my mom and how much he loves me. Sometimes I think to myself, "yes yes I know" but at the core of it all, I am so grateful that he reassures me. I am so thankful for a father who understands my heart's cry as a woman and makes sure I know good and well that I am loved. This encouragement is specific to husbands and wives but is also great advice for how mothers can encourage sons and fathers can encourage daughters...
“Let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” Ephesians 5:33
God made Adam first and put him in the Garden with a job to do, a mission to fulfill. In the heart of every fallen man is the self-doubt that wonders, “Am I man enough to climb this mountain God has called me to? Can I fulfill my destiny?” A wise wife will understand that question at the center of her husband’s heart. And she will spend her life answering it, communicating to him in various ways, “Honey, I believe in your call. I know you can do this, by God’s power. Go for it.” In this way, she will breathe life into her man.
God made Eve from Adam, for Adam, to help him follow the call. In the heart of every fallen woman is the self-doubt that wonders, “Do I please you? Am I what you wanted?” A wise husband will understand that question at the center of his wife’s heart. And he will spend his life answering it, communicating to her in various ways, “Darling, you are the one I need. I cherish you. Let me hold you close.” In this way, he will breathe life into his wife.
Ray Ortlund
Pastor of Immanuel Church in Nashville, TN
(http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/rayortlund/2010/02/13/husband-and-wife/)
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