Valentine’s Day is almost here!  I’m sharing some hints on loving your husband.  The list is endless, so I’ve narrowed it down to fourteen. Feel free to pop over to Part 1 for the first seven helpful hints.

8. FORGIVE

Let’s face it. Guys sometimes don’t think like we do. My sweet husband was concerned about the weight I had gained several years back, and rightly so! It was more than I had ever weighed in my life. However, when he talked to me about it, he used the “O” word: OBESITY. Now, before you get your feathers in a ruffle, he DID NOT say I was obese. He was just concerned that I was headed in that direction. But, bless his heart, you don’t use that word when you are talking to a woman about her weight.  I don’t think I spoke to him for two days. TWO DAYS. Two days out of our lives that are wasted, because I didn’t have the sense and maturity to forgive him. Ladies, please don’t ever waste precious time being angry with your husband. Forgive him.  “…love keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Corinthians 13:5

9. YOUR HOME, HIS CASTLE 

Make your home a haven for your hubby.  Make it a peaceful place for him.  John used to travel quite a bit for work.  When he was gone, I didn’t cook, do laundry, or do dishes.  But when he walked through the door, I tried to make sure all the mess was picked up (not tonight, I’m writing tonight). Ok, I’m not as good at this as I used to be. I’ve relaxed a lot in my old age. But I do try to be his helpmate. I know he’ll be tired when he comes home, so if necessary, I’ll take care of the chores that he usually does. Yes, like take the trash out. Make your home a peaceful, loving place. He’ll look forward to arriving at his castle each evening!

10. BE KIND

Titus 2:4-5 says that older women are to encourage the younger women to love their husbands and children, and to be kind (among other things). It was odd that the younger women had to be taught how to be kind. After all, kindness begins at home, doesn’t it? Sometimes you would never know this by the way I act. When I’m “in a mood,” I can be kinder to a stranger in Walmart than I can to my husband. Let’s be kind to our husbands, “so that the word of God may not be dishonored.” (Titus 2:5). 

11. PRACTICE PATIENCE. Count to ten. Then, count to ten again. And again, and again. Deep breaths in, deep breaths out, 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10! Next thing you know, that little temper tantrum has been avoided.

12. DON’T HUSBAND BASH 

Ever been in a conversation with some girlfriends that went something like this:

“You wouldn’t believe what a slob my husband is. I wish he would learn to pick up his stuff!” 

“You think yours is a slob, mine is such an idiot! He can’t even make the simplest repairs around the house!”

And on it goes, getting worse and worse.  This is dangerous and destructive behavior.  It is contagious and spreads like a virus! RUN FROM IT! Husband bashing is extremely damaging to your marriage. The more you dwell on your perceived wrongs in your husband, the more unhappy you will become.

Don’t participate in these conversations.  Try to steer them back to all the positive aspects of your spouses. If you can’t, I say again: RUN FROM IT! Guard your heart against this kind of talk. 

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. – Proverbs 4:23

Be especially careful around the children or grandchildren. They need to see your respect for your man, not your scorn for him.

13. SAY THANK YOU. 

Always. For every little thing. Let him know you appreciate him.  

14. LAUGH. 

Laughing together is good medicine for any marriage. And it relieves stress (like hugs).

Remember, there are many, many ways you can love and encourage your sweet hubby each day. Be alert to hints he may unknowingly give. You won’t be sorry!

Because of His love,