Iron Sharpens Iron

Are you a champion or a critic?

EXERPT: “When we sense that someone is “for” us, our loyalty towards that person deepens. When we hear words of affirmation, we are motivated.” Lifemates pg. 91
“We seem to derive our greatest satisfaction from focusing on what is missing, what is wrong, and what is broken.” Lifemates pg. 92

REFLECTION: There is nothing more comforting when you know someone is for you! When you know they are out for your good and truly love you more for who you are than what they can get out of you.

Natalie and I realized early on in our marriage that we would both say things about each other alone or in company that would hurt one another without the other knowing. It was usually the smallest thing, sometimes it was a joke or a maybe a generalization but what ever it was, it tore down rather than build up, it criticized rather than championed.

What I rarely hear from the mouth of husbands is them tastefully boasting or sharing about all the good things in their wives. I do hear a lot of things about what their wives are not...

I believe should we begin to champion our wives with our words and actions, alone and in company, we will begin to experience a new fullness in our marriages. I truly believe the saying, Happy wife... Happy Life!

CHALLENGE: Think about where you would fall on the scale between Critic or Champion.
What are the reasons you may find yourself criticizing easier than championing?

PRAYER:
God we want to love like you do, we want to encourage and serve our wives. God you have given these precious creatures into our care. May our words and actions elevate your daughters. May we esteem them as you do and may we give grace to them like you do. Amen

Rob