How do you show appreciation to your spouse? Are you their biggest cheerleader?
Voicing your appreciation and gratitude helps in all relationships, but it especially benefits your marriage. By recognizing your spouse’s strengths, gifts and efforts, you can boost their confidence, reduce their anxiety, increase their feelings of contentment and build trust within your relationship. What a great way to strengthen your marriage!
Grab your favourite drinks and watch this short video from Matt and Josie Jaggers as they share some thoughts about why it’s so important to cheer your spouse on.
After watching the video, take turns asking and answering the following questions together. Listen actively to each other — with gentleness and humility — so you each feel heard and free to share.
- How do you feel when you are appreciated?
- What compliments bring the most encouragement to you?
- What intentional steps can we take to make compliments a regular part of our relationship?
Date Ideas
Here is a list of possible date ideas to enjoy throughout the month.
- Go out for a dessert night date and compliment each other between each bite.
- Get out for a shared activity that you both enjoy (tennis, pickleball, kayaking, etc). Intentionally share compliments with one another during the activity.
- Enjoy a walk together and share one thing your spouse has done this week that encouraged you. Be sure to tell them why it was significant and special to you.
More Appreciation With God’s Help
Our words toward one another make a difference in our marriage. Consider what the Bible says in Ephesians 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
We have the opportunity to build up our spouse with our words which will have an impact on our marriage, bringing us closer together. Be intentional and attentive to what words you can use that will encourage your spouse “according to their needs.”