Power of a Praying Wife thoughts, continued....

Okay, here we go:

" I've known people who use the excuse of "just being honest" to devestate others with their words. The Bible says, " A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back" Prov. 29:11. In other words, it's foolish to share every feeling and thougt. Being honest doesn't mean you have to be completely frank in your every comment. That hurts people. While honesty is a requirement for a succesful marriage, telling your husband everything that is wrong with him is not only ill-advised, it probably doesn't reveal the complete truth. "

"The total truth is from God's perspective and He, undoubtedly, doesn't have the same problems with some of your husband's actions as you do. Our goal must not be to get our husbands to do what WE want, but rather to release them to God so He can get them to do what HE wants."

"Distinguish carefully between what is truly right and wrong. If it doesn't fall clearly into either of these categories, keep your personal opinions to yourself. Or pray about them and then, as the Lord leads, reveal them in a calm discussion. The Bible says, "Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few." Ecclesiastes 5:2. There are times when we are to just listen and not offer advice, to support and not offer constructive criticism."

"I'm not for a moment suggesting that you become a timid doormat who doesn't ever confront your husband with the truth-especially when it's for his greater good. By all means you must clearly communicate your thoughts and feelings. But once he has heard them, don't continue to press him until it becomes a point of contention and strife."

"IF you do have to say words that are hard to hear, ask God to help you discern when your husband would be most open to hearing them. Pray for the right words and for his heart to be totally receptive. "

"I wish I had learned earlier to pray before I spoke. My words too often set up a defensive reaction in my husband that produced harsh words we both regret. He perceived my suggestions as pressure to do or be something, even though I always had his best interests at heart. It had to come to him from God."

"It's not the words we speak that make a difference, it's the power of God accompanying them." Stormie O'Martian

Wow! So true, So true!

Hope this helped you today.

Love and Prayers,
Julie