1. Establish Your Identity in Christ

Scripture:

• "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." — 2 Corinthians 5:17
• "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." — Colossians 3:3
• Explanation: Understanding your identity in Christ is foundational to living as a godly husband. Jamie Winship emphasizes in Living Fearless that true identity is discovered when you let go of fear and embrace the truth of who God says you are.

Action Step:

• Ask: "Father, who do you say I am? How can I fully embrace the identity you have given me in Christ?"
• Reflect: Are you allowing other things like work, hobbies, or status to define your worth? What would change if you truly saw yourself as God sees you?
• Listen: Be still and allow God to speak to your heart about how He views you. Write down what you sense Him saying.

---

2. Love Your Wife as Christ Loved the Church

Scripture:

• "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." — Ephesians 5:25
• "Let all that you do be done in love." — 1 Corinthians 16:14
• Explanation: Christ's love is sacrificial, and husbands are called to love their wives in the same way. This involves prioritizing her needs and serving her with patience and grace.

Action Step:

• Ask: "Father, how can I love my wife today in the same way Christ loved the church?"
• Reflect: Is there an area where you have been putting yourself first, or not considering her needs?
• Listen: As you ask God this question, be open to practical ways He may guide you to show sacrificial love today.

---

3. Honor Your Wife and Live with Understanding

Scripture:

• "Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered." — 1 Peter 3:7
• "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." — Romans 12:10
• Explanation: Living with understanding means being attentive to your wife's emotional and spiritual needs, treating her with honor and respect.

Action Step:

• Ask: "God, how can I better understand my wife’s heart and needs today?"
• Reflect: Think about your interactions—are you truly listening to her, or are you quick to give your own opinion?
• Listen: Be still and let God reveal areas where you can improve in showing honor and understanding toward her.

---

4. Provide Leadership with Humility, Not Harshness

Scripture:

• "Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them." — Colossians 3:19
• "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." — Philippians 4:5
• Explanation: Leadership in marriage should be rooted in humility and love, not harshness. Harsh words and actions can damage the trust in your marriage, while gentleness builds up.

Action Step:

• Ask: "Lord, am I leading my family with humility and gentleness? Where do I need to change?"
• Reflect: Are there moments where you’ve acted out of frustration or harshness?
• Listen: Wait for God’s guidance on how you can lead with gentleness and serve your wife with a humble heart.

---

5. Be Faithful and Committed

Scripture:

• "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." — Genesis 2:24
• "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous." — Hebrews 13:4
• Explanation: Faithfulness goes beyond physical loyalty. It includes emotional, spiritual, and mental dedication to the oneness that marriage requires.

Action Step:

• Ask: "Father, how can I be more faithful in my marriage, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually?"
• Reflect: Consider if there are areas where you have neglected your commitment to your wife.
• Listen: Allow God to speak to areas where He wants you to grow in being faithful in all aspects of your relationship.

---

6. Be a Provider and Protector

Scripture:

• "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." — 1 Timothy 5:8
• "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." — Psalm 23:1
• Explanation: Providing for and protecting your family is not limited to financial provision. It also means nurturing and caring for their emotional and spiritual well-being.

Action Step:

• Ask: "God, how can I better provide for my wife emotionally, spiritually, and physically?"
• Reflect: Are there areas where you’ve been lacking in providing support or protection?
• Listen: Be still and listen for how God wants you to step up as a provider and protector in a holistic sense.