5 Ways to Encourage Your Spouse
Encouragement. What do you feel when you see or hear that word?
Do you feel inspired? Ready to take action?
Or do you long for someone to do this for you?
I have the privilege of being married to the world’s #1 encourager (I’m not biased – it’s just the truth). My wife, Lori, has been encouraging me for over 30 years, since the day we first met.
She also writes about encouragement – specifically on the topic of encouraging your spouse. This is her area of strength.
The Value of Encouragement
Like Lori, there are a few people who have embraced encouragement as one of their differentiating values. What a difference they make. Let’s first look at what encouragement means.
As a value, Encouragement means giving courage or confidence or hope; the expression of approval and support.
Consider the words included here: courage, confidence, hope, approval, and support. Do you know someone who would benefit from these attributes? Would you like to possess these characteristics?
There is power, life, and energy in the value of encouragement. Over the past number of years, Lori has studied and honed her understanding of encouragement from all sides. For married couples, she has identified various ways for spouses to encourage each other.
Lori’s Blog
As posted on her blog, Lori has defined 5 specific ways to encourage your spouse:
- Inspire with Hope. Be optimistic. The future is filled with possibilities.
- Fortify with Faith. Walk the talk. Show what you believe.
- Foster with Love. Give freely. No strings attached.
- Uplift with Prayer. Ask God. He can accomplish the impossible.
- Support with Action. Be present. And fully engaged.
The interesting thing about this list is that it has more to do with you than your spouse. In other words, encouragement starts with you.
As a man of faith, I believe our real source of encouragement comes from our walk with God. A solid connection with Him ensures we can be an effective encourager to our spouse – and others.
If you are looking for actionable ways to encourage your spouse, check out Lori’s free e-Book called 27 Encouraging Actions (right-hand column, ½-way down page). One of my favorites is Loyalty, highlighted on Page-21. Let me know what you think.
What are some ways you have seen married couples encourage each other?
