5 Great Ways Wives Can Serve Their Husbands

1. Compliment and Admire Him

Behind every man should be an admiring wife - Willard F. Harley, Jr.

Most men crave admiration but not from just anyone - from their wives. They may garner accolades right, left, and center, but if they don't get a pat on the back from their wives, they will still not feel worthy enough. Your husband needs you to be his number-one fan. He needs to know that you are proud of him and his achievements. Giving him genuine admiration will perk up his confidence and self-esteem. It will also motivate him to achieve more.

Even if dishing out compliments may not be your cup of tea, you need to serve your husband this way. Remember serving is not about your own needs but about prioritizing the needs of another. Praise your husband in front of the kids and brag about him while with friends. Seek his advice on stuff and allow him to lead your family. Never belittle him. Let him know that you admire and think highly of him.

2. Provide a Peaceful Home

"Do not let your adornment be merely outward - arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel - rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." (1 Peter 3:3-4).

Men fancy the idea of retreating to a peaceful, organized home after a grueling day at work. If it were possible, your husband would love to come to a clean house, play with the kids, and eat dinner together with his family. He would then lead his family in Bible reading and prayer before tucking the kids to bed. After that, he would want to wind down his day in the company of his loving wife before bed.

Depending on the stage of parenting you are in, most of these aspirations are a mirage. When the kids are young, it's nearly impossible to maintain a squeaky clean house. Additionally, if both of you hold full-time jobs, expecting your wife to single-handedly provide a clean and organized household is impractical. House chores have to be shared between the husband and wife.

Having said that, wives can still go out of their way to provide a peaceful environment for their husbands. If possible, you can hire help to take care of some of the chores so your husband can enjoy the tranquility he yearns for. Above all else, wives should ensure they give their husbands peace of mind. Don't nag him, avoid sweating the small stuff, and forgive him when he makes mistakes. Creating a peaceful home for him is another way of serving him. 

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Maria Korneeva

3. Support His Hobbies and Interests

Most men take their hobbies and recreational activities very seriously. It helps them socialize with their peers, ignites creativity, and gives them immense fulfillment. It could be hiking, fishing, hunting, sports, golfing, bowling, watching movies, etc. Most men plan meticulously for these activities and don't mind spending an arm and a leg. But guess what? That's not enough. They crave recreational companionship from their wives. They want you to be alongside them as they experience the adrenaline and thrill from these activities.

Does that surprise you? Wasn't spending time together doing stuff and having fun how you both ended up married in the first place? Your husband's need for this happy-go-lucky companionship does not melt into thin air after marriage. Serve your husband by showing interest and participating in his hobbies. This will perk him up and make him feel appreciated, meeting part of his emotional needs. Besides, it gives you a chance to be with him at his best moments, when he is having the most fun. This helps strengthen your bond.

4. Initiate Sex

It is a well-known fact that sex is a big deal to men. To many men, love is equivalent to sex because it enables them to form a deep emotional connection with their wives. It is during sex that they feel most vulnerable and attached to their wives. Sex is also closely tied to their identity because it helps their ego. When a wife denies her husband sex, he feels rejected and views it as an attack on his personhood.

In a healthy marriage, a wife should be committed to meeting her husband's sexual needs. But what's more? Your husband would be more than thrilled to have you initiate sex. This is truly the cherry on top for him. Serving your husband by initiating sex will make his ego soar through the roof. It will make him feel needed and validated. There's no better feeling for him.

5. Be a Suitable Helper 

"The Lord God said, 'It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'" (Genesis 2:18 NIV)

God designed you as your husband's helper, so one way of serving him is by doing exactly that. The original Hebrew word that was translated to mean suitable helper is "Ezer." The same word is used several times in the Bible while referring to God as a helper to man. Ezer refers to the ability to save, protect, and rescue. This means that this role is by no means an inferior one but a powerful one.

Seek to know from your husband how you can make his life easier. Run errands for him, help him achieve his goals, and cheer him on in his work and project. Pray for him and encourage him. Additionally, learn his love language and speak it fluently.

Related: 5 Ways to Serve Your Wife