Be an Encourager
 

Be an Encourager

She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her. —Proverbs 31:12

This woman comforts her husband and does him good as long as there is life in her. Many marriages could be saved from divorce or disappointment if a woman would take the initiative to begin comforting and complimenting her husband. The husband also has the same responsibility, but if he is not doing it, I encourage you to be willing to step out and be the first to make a move in the right direction for your marriage. A spiritually mature woman will be the first to do what is right even if nobody else is doing so. A wise, understanding, and prudent wife is a gift from the Lord (Proverbs 19:14).

We notice in our reading of Proverbs 31:10–31 that there is no mention of what the husband does other than that he praises his spouse and is well-known in the city because of his fine wife. I believe if you take the first steps of obedience, then God will also deal with your husband and you will see positive changes in him. I also believe it will increase your own level of confidence. When we compliment others, we begin to see ourselves in a better light also.

Lord, help me to be the one who takes the initiative to encourage and compliment and comfort. In all my relationships, may I be the first to give, whether or not I receive the same back. Amen.

From the book The Confident Woman Devotional: 365 Daily Devotions by Joyce Meyer.

Build up, not tear down. An encouraging word may inspire someone to go that extra mile and find sobriety, not just being sober.

Most alcoholic/addicts have very low self-esteem and self-worth, they need to be encouraged to find themselves, and remind them that they are not their disease.