Keep romance alive. Don’t wait for your husband to act romantic toward you; go ahead and initiate romance yourself. Be as creative and adventurous as you can when thinking of ways to romance him. Ask your husband what he considers romantic, and act on his suggestions. Connect with him sexually often to keep your bond strong. Ask God to help you desire what’s best for your husband even before what’s best for you personally. Be willing to make whatever sacrifices are necessary to put your husband’s interests before your own. Be forgiving, not bitter. Don’t keep score in your marriage, and ask God to continually renew your love for each other.
Offer the gift of submission. Realize that when you choose to yield to your husband, you’re actually submitting to God while offering your husband a valuable gift and allowing your marriage to function according to its design, with each equal partner fulfilling their God-given roles. Understand that submission should never be forced; it’s a choice you make freely in everyday life to honor your husband. Decide to make that choice in various situations as you encounter them, and watch your marriage grow as a result.
Show unconditional respect. Recognize that your husband will feel loved only if you respect Him. Understand that God calls you to offer your husband unconditional love, just as He wants your husband to offer you unconditional love. Decide that you will respect your husband even when you feel like he doesn’t deserve it, simply because He is your husband. Choose to trust His decisions, even when he makes mistakes, allowing Him the freedom he needs to grow as God leads him to without fear of condemnation.
Adjust your attitudes. Ask God to change your unhealthy attitudes to healthy ones that will benefit your marriage. Trade ungratefulness for thankfulness by reminding yourself of your many specific blessings. Trade complaints for contentment by looking to God (not your husband) to fulfill you. Trade downheartedness for cheerfulness by focusing on the positive instead of the negative. Trade a desire for control for flexibility by letting go of your own agenda and making room for God’s plans for you. Trade emotional meltdowns for self-control by relying on the Holy Spirit’s power daily and avoiding stress triggers. Trade a critical spirit for encouragement by frequently letting your husband know that you believe in him. Trade harsh behavior for gentleness by thinking before you speak or act and keeping your love for your husband in mind.
Get the support you need. Take care of your own needs, knowing that doing so will enable you to support your husband better, as well. Get adequate sleep, and enough time to be still and quiet so you can reflect on your life. Don’t commit your time and energy to anything that God isn’t clearly leading you to pursue. Make time for fun on a regular basis. Invest in friendships with other women who will support, encourage, and hold you accountable. Ask God to give you His perspective on your marriage, and to help you see your husband the way He does. Examine your thoughts and refuse to dwell on any that don’t align with God’s truths. Intentionally think about biblical truths, and let your thoughts inspire your actions.
Create a home that blesses your husband. Consider what environment you and your husband both would like to experience in your home, and work to create that atmosphere. Arrange your schedule so you have enough time to be home regularly and take good care of your responsibilities there. Don’t neglect the house, but don’t become obsessed with trying to make it perfect, either. Simply do your best to make your home your family’s favorite place to be, and help them create memories there that you all will cherish. Do your best to manage your material blessings wisely. If you’re a mom, give your kids your best, just as you do for your husband. Work with your husband to reach agreement in parenting and present a united front to your kids. Know what your husband’s parenting priorities are, and be sure to honor those priorities as well as your own. Teach your kids to love God, honor their parents, and love one another.
