Chapter Four

We're already at week 4, chapter 4! This week was about man's need to provide, and these are the main points...

Most men feel very strongly that providing for the family is their job, no matter how much money their wife makes.

This need to provide, for both present and future (retirement) needs, is often on their mind.

Being able to provide makes men feel more powerful.

Working to provide is one way that men say 'I love you'. This is why some men work long hours and/or travel with their work. They may feel pulled between working more to provide, and spending more time at home with their family.

If a man is not able to provide for his family, he will most likely feel terrible about himself, and feel that he has failed in a major role.

Men often feel that their wives put pressure on them to provide when they talk about the nice things they want (a bigger home, holidays, new clothes etc.), or even come home with full shopping bags.

The best way a wife can show support to her husband is to...

- believe in his ability to provide

- be willing to help by bringing in more income herself (if needed)

- be not just satisfied, but even excited about the things that they CAN afford

- not spend money unnecessarily

- show her thankfulness to him for providing

- give all her worries to God (not to her man!), in prayer.

Here are some questions to think about...

1. Does your husband often work long hours? How do you respond?

2. Do you feel financial stress in your home? Do you ever complain about what you can't afford, or what things you wish you could have?

3. Do you ever show your thanks for your husband's provision? How?

Here are some questions to discuss with your husband, if you would like...

1. Do you feel a strong burden to provide for our family? Does this stress/worry you?

2. Do you ever feel like I put pressure on you to provide more? Would it be easier for you if we reduced our spending somehow?

3. How can I help take some of the pressure off of you?