Why I Publicly Praise My Wife
I get a lot of negative feedback from my good buddies when I publicly praise my wife. I have a tendency to do this on my Facebook page or when commenting on hers. I know I am very outspoken when it comes to Michelle, and I am okay with that. The truth is, she does a lot to deserve my praise – alright I won’t list everything here – but seriously it’s a blessing to have a woman like her as my wife and I want her to know that. She appreciates that I share my heart for her with the world, though occasionally she does like to tease me about it.
Some of the dudes reading this may already be tuning out, but stay with me for a second. There are two important reasons why I think it’s good when I show my love for Michelle openly and publicly:
First, it blesses my marriage. When I tell the world that my wife is the crown and joy of my life (Proverbs 12:4), or when I comment on how beautiful she is, she always responds. It produces something in her heart (and mine) that overflows into our relationship. It provides a spark for the day that has the energy to kindle greater affection and love as the day progresses. I want her to know that I love her first thing in the morning, so that she can think on that all day and know that she has a man who is anxiously waiting to see her when the toils of the day are over. Guys, this can work in your favor, believe me!
Second, when I publicly share my heart for my wife, it is a challenge and rebuke to all the slugs out there who come home after work and plop down on the couch without even acknowledging the wife they don’t deserve. The truth is guys, that we don’t deserve to have another human being love us and serve us the way our wives do. We just don’t. If you are honest with yourself, you will believe that. It is only by God’s grace that we even have our wives. Proverbs 18:22 says, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” Again in Proverbs 31:10 we read, “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.” We need to greatly love, serve, and respect our wives in order to earn the love, service, and respect that our wives desperately want to give us. Your wife wants a man who can draw those things out of her by displaying the character and love that Jesus did. It can begin with a few simple heartfelt words. She will respond, I guarantee it.
I don’t want to place all of the responsibility on the men, but if we are to lead in our marriages it should begin with us.
One of my favorite blogs is written by Kevin DeYoung at The Gospel Coalition. He has posted some questions for husbands and wives which I believe are very helpful for married couples who are in need of a “jumpstart” to the romance in their marriages. Check it out.
Blessings,
Jeff
