The Power of Positive Affirmation in Marriage: 5 Practical Ways to Encourage Your Spouse – How, When, and Why

Show notes

About This Episode Are the struggles you're facing stirring up doubt or frustration? We all feel low at times, and one kind word can turn a day around. After celebrating Truett's birthday, we talk about affirmation as reinforcing what is good and true. Jennifer shares how wanting her jiu-jitsu coach's approval convicted her to seek the Lord's affirmation first, and we look at how God affirms us through Scripture, especially Romans 8. When we're filled by God, we can pour into our spouse without needing them to fill us. Then we get practical: how, when, where and what to affirm, from texts and voice memos to public praise and handwritten notes, choosing to magnify your spouse's strengths instead of nagging their weaknesses, and learning to receive encouragement humbly.

About Aaron & Jennifer Smith Aaron and Jennifer Smith are the founders of Marriage After God and authors of Husband After God, Wife After God, and Marriage After God. Married since 2007 and raising six children in Bend, Oregon, they started Husband Revolution and Unveiled Wife to share what God was teaching them, not from a place of having it figured out, but as fellow travelers pointing couples back to Jesus.

In This Episode Why affirmation matters — how one kind word can change a day Seeking God's approval first — Jennifer's jiu-jitsu coach story God affirms us through His Word — identity and truth from 2 Timothy 1:7, 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 8 Filled to pour out — why affirmation isn't a needy dependency when we're filled by the Lord How to affirm — texts, voice memos, face-to-face words, social media and handwritten notes When and where to affirm — making encouragement a daily habit, in private and in public What to say — magnifying your spouse's strengths instead of nagging weaknesses Receiving affirmation — accepting encouragement with humility Growth spurt — this month's challenge to dote over each other

Scripture Referenced 2 Timothy 1:7 2 Corinthians 5:17 Romans 8:1 Romans 8:18 Romans 8:28 Romans 8:31 Isaiah 40:29 1 Peter 2:9 Philippians 1:6 Matthew 6:6

Resources from This Episode Sponsored by: "The Marriage Gift: 365 prayers for our marriage." Strengthen your marriage through prayer. Visit themarriagegift.com. Get our new book The Marriage Gift - 365 prayers for your marriage! Check out our marriage resources! Full show notes and blog post

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