It is easy to go day to day thinking of all the reasons why our mate is not holding up to their end of the bargain. I can be very critical towards my husband without even realizing it. I get upset when he is not home for dinner on time, gets a call to meet with someone when we just put the baby down, does not help with the dishes, forgets to take the garbage out and the list goes on. But then I hear that ever so gentle voice in my ear saying, have GRACE.

I must admit I ignore this voice at times because I would rather be angry instead, but what good does that do? When I step back and think instead of letting my feelings get in the way, I realize how hard my husband is working to provide for our family and reach out to people who need Jesus. Instead of making a list of all of the things he’s not doing, I need to take time to pray for him. It can’t be easy being the leader of the home and a leader at the church with the weight of the world on his shoulders. As a wife I need to be his main support not his main critic. Life is too short to have petty conflicts and at the end of the day we are both doing what God has called us to do in this season in our lives. I am a stay at home mother and also very involved at church and my husband is the head of our house and a pastor at our church. Life in ministry is not easy but it is so worth it!

Take time to think of all of the good things your mate is doing. Let them know how much you appreciate and support them. It makes a world of difference bringing encouragement to the home instead of criticism to the home. Pray first and then speak.