Give, and it will be given to you. (Luke 6:38 NASB)

In our years as seminar speakers, we have met many men and women who never receive their spouse’s approval. Instead, they have been criticised – for their size, the way they dress, how they keep house, or for their cooking, the way they handle finances, their headship, decision making, etc.

These will tell you how terribly it hurts to receive nothing but disapproval from their spouses.

Men need to set the standard in the family in this area. Do not put down, criticize, pick faults. Instead, make it a point to approve of your spouse in words and deeds. This attitude is contagious. The more you honor your spouse by showing your approval, the more they will want to do the same for you.

Here’s what showing approval might look like:

• Displaying photos of your spouse on your desktop or in your home.
• Taking photos or videos of your spouse’s important life events.
• Wanting your friends or coworkers to meet your spouse.

Here’s what giving approval might sound like:

• “I am so proud to be your wife/husband. I am thankful that God brought us together.”
• “I’m proud of you. It is such a blessing to sit in the audience tonight and know that I’m married to that wonderful woman/man up there!”
• “I am so glad to be married to your son or daughter. He or she is God’s precious gift for me.” (said to spouse’s parents)

ACTION ASSIGNMENT
What can we say or do today to show our spouse the approval he or she needs from us?

PRAYER: Lord, make me sensitive to my spouse’s need for approval. Alert me to opportunities to show him or her – in deed and in word – approval. In Jesus’ name, amen.