Learning To Listen

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

1 Peter 3:7

IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, when officers are teamed together, it is critical that they back each other up. They must be able to trust their partner implicitly as another set of faithful eyes and ears on the scene. And when an 11-99 call goes out over the radio, it brings a swift response because 11-99 means, “Officer needs help immediately.”

Your wife is your partner, another set of eyes and ears in the wild and woolly world of parenting, housekeeping, social engagements, and finances. But she needs much more from you than taking care of the car or picking up your socks, as important as those things are. She needs you to listen and be available to her. You may feel as if your wife speaks in code at times. It’s up to you to learn her codes, her modes of communication, and respond accordingly. Is your wife struggling with something and could use your help? How do you know when she is sending out an 11-99?

You learn to listen with the ears of your heart. That’s a form of listening that is constantly curious about your wife’s dreams, hopes, ambitions, and feelings. It gives her room to grow and change, and it affirms the unique person she is and all that God is doing in her life. It is consistently asking questions and talking with her and listening to her. When you do that, she will feel loved and valued.

BOTTOM LINE

This week, ask your wife questions about herself. Don’t try to fix her or solve all her problems—just listen and affirm her.

Moment of Strength: Proverbs 1:5