__________________________________ "I will make him a helper fit for him." Gen. 2:18 __________________________________ Grasping the Woman's Divine Design In our last issue of the Hopewell weekly, we began to consider how a woman can reflect God's nature by being her husband's helper. In this issue, we want to bring to light three more areas where women can exert their role as helper. 1. Help him grow in godliness. Your husband is a sinner and lacks the virtues that God desires him to have. He may even have certain areas of real bondage, such as anger, sloth, addiction, or poor communication. While the world says that you should ditch him and find someone you deserve, the Bible says otherwise. God has, in His wisdom, placed you at this side so that he can become a more righteous person. You can increase his sanctification as you offer gentle admonishments, set before him a godly example, and react with grace and self-control to his failures. Just as the Helper, the Holy Spirit, comes alongside us to help us overcome our sin and become more sanctified, you can encourage spiritual growth in your husband. 2. Help him in the decision making process. You are your husband's chief advisor. Providing good counsel for the decisions he has to make is a glorious help. Some women view their role as an excuse to get out of the decision making process. They say, "That's his job, not mine" with great relief. But decision making is just as daunting to him as it is to you. It's a huge help if you are engaged in this process. Like a president's cabinet member, your perspective and input are vital. Even if he doesn't take your advice or chooses to go against it, your thoughts are still helpful. You allow him a chance to consider options, weigh pros and cons, and appraise alternative strategies. 3. Help him by giving him the respect he needs. What if he doesn't take your advice? Worse yet, what if he makes the wrong decision? What do you do now? You help him by showing him the highest degree of respect. (Eph. 5:33). You may be tempted to gloat or give the air of “I told you so,” but a godly helper seek to build her husband up and take it all in stride. She knows God is good and will glorify Himself in everything. Keep in mind that when a man is honored, it will likely have a radical affect on him. He will want to present himself as honorable. Many women have found that putting on a respectful tone, dialogue, and body language transformed their husbands and their marriages. It just goes to show that showing respect, even when your husband is not all that deserving, is the true help that he needs in his life. Used Bible Drive Do you have old Bibles lying around collecting dust? Let's put them to good use! This month Hopewell will be collecting used Bibles to donate to Mission Cry. This ministry supplies pastors in devastated places around the world with resources they could not otherwise afford. YES! FOOD!
It's always a treat to eat at Hopewell! This Sunday is our traditional 2nd Sunday fellowship meal. Bring a dish and/or a side to share if you are able. There’s always an abundance, so please plan to stay and enjoy even if you can’t pull something together. Table settings will be provided.
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HOPEWELL CHURCHA Reformed and family integrated Church in Ashland, Ohio. Come & Worship
Sunday Mornings
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