KEEP LOVE ALIVE (3)

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” – Proverbs 31:28

Believing partners and families learn to apply the Power of Appreciation to KEEP LOVE ALIVE: "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all” (Pro.31:28-29). An atmosphere of appreciation, gratitude, and positivity apparently contributed to the virtuosity of the Proverbs 31 Woman. She not only worked hard to provide for her family, she also honoured her husband; hence, he was “known in the gates” (v.23). She was a woman of enlivening and kind words: “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness” (v.26). It is then not surprising for her husband and children to reciprocate by rising up to appreciate and commend her (v.28).

Verbal Appreciation of a spouse and other family members fortifies love by building trust and creating a positive atmosphere of mutual respect. Appreciation keeps relationships resilient, joyful, constructive, and focused on shared purpose. Here are Four Biblical Principles of Appreciation for Impactful Marriage and Family:

Acknowledgement and Honour: “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another” (Rom.12:10). Honour is paramount in all relationships: “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (1Pet.2:17). Honouring others who are created in God’s Image is recognizing their Source of Dignity. In particular, a spouse is to be held in high regard. Appreciating and affirming our partner's contributions makes them feel valued and special.

Cherishing and Nourishing our Spouse: “For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church” (Eph.5:29). This verse sets a powerful example for husbands to care for their wives. The reciprocal is also true and proper. Indeed, Ephesians 5:33 emphasizes mutual love and respect between husband and wife: “Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” Cherishing means protecting, providing, and prioritizing the well being of our spouse above our own.

Seeing Our Spouse as a Gift: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord” (Pro.18:22). Recognize our spouse as a Gift from God enables us to approach the relationship with a spirit of thankfulness and wonder.

Speaking with gracious words: "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones" (Pro.16:24). Expressing appreciation with kind and loving words has the power to bring life and healing into a relationship, especially when compared to the harm caused by ungracious or harsh language.

Let’s learn to Express Appreciation, making a conscious effort to verbalize our thankfulness for our spouse's and family member’s actions, character, and presence in our life. Appreciation makes the other to appreciate in worth and value!