One of the most effective ways to help your loved one is to offer encouraging words. Apparently, though, no one told Job’s wife about that. She seems to have gone out of her way to discourage her husband in the midst of his suffering.

The word encouraging means “to inspire courage.” We all have areas in which we feel insecure and lack courage, and that lack of courage often hinders us from accomplishing the positive things that we would like to do. The latent potential within your spouse may await your encouraging words.

A couple celebrating fifty years of marriage was asked in an interview, “To what do you attribute the success of your long marriage?” The husband responded, “Sarah was the first young lady I ever dated. When I proposed to her, I was scared stiff. But after the wedding, her dad took me aside and handed me a little package and said, ‘Here is all you really need to know.’”

Reaching into his pocket, the man pulled out a gold watch and said, “This is it.” There, across the face of the watch, where he could see it a dozen times a day, was written, Say something nice to Sarah. “That,” he said, “is the key to our marriage.”

Take time to thank God for the examples of strong relationships. He has given you. Thank Him also for the wisdom found in His Word. Ask Him to help you and your loved one learn to support and encourage each other in significant ways.

Reflect on these questions:

How does your loved one inspire courage in you?

How do you inspire courage in your loved one?

What is the key to your marriage?

Consider these passages for further study on encouragement:

I Thessalonians 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

I Peter 4:8-10 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

Job 2:9 His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.”

Job opens our eyes and shows strength. Even when his loved ones tell him to curse God, he stands up to focus on the good things. The kindness and hope towards others make a difference in how we walk with the Lord. Encourage each other by putting in a good word. Encouraging thoughts of Gary Chapman.