The Bible is a complete marriage manual, which God provided
for us to use. It covers every little detail and even suggests consequences for
a man who fails to follow its precepts (1 Peter 3:7). A man
needs to listen to his wife and take her seriously (Colossians
3:19). If she mentions his inconsiderate habits, he can change
them (Proverbs 28:13).
As the stronger vessel, he can carry heavy items or open
the door for her, especially if she has both hands full (1 Peter
3:7). He assists in the care of
their children by helping with homework, enforcing table manners and
supervising bath and bedtime (Galatians 6:2). He helps with the laundry, dishes
and vacuuming, especially if she also works a full-time job (Ephesians
5:28). Above all, he speak kindly to her (Colossians
3:19).
Resentment will foster irritation, anger and impatience in
your tone of voice and body language; so keep a short account of wrongs (1
Corinthians 13:4-8). Sometimes you may not even know what is causing
these negative emotions, so take time to pray about it. Do not withhold
physical attention from one another, except for a consensual time of prayer and
fasting (1 Corinthians 7:3-5; 1 Thessalonians 4:4).
Not many men will neglect their own body, and God commands
men to care for their wife’s needs with as much consideration as they have for
their own needs (Ephesians 5:28). A godly husband honors his wife
and appreciates all that she does for him and his family. He ministers to his
wife’s body, spirit and soul – her mind, will and emotions, in the same way
that Christ cherishes His Bride, the church (Ephesians 5:22-23).
Leave love notes, phone messages, emails, texts and little
gifts to remind your wife that you cherish her. Spend time together having fun.
Schedule a date night into your weekly calendar and guard it fiercely. Make one
another your main priority. Ask what you can do to help each other every day.
Pray together and submit to one another as joint heirs to the grace of life (Ephesians
5:21).
Prayer:
Father God, teach each husband to shepherd his wife and
children as the loving caretaker of their body, soul and spirit, considering
his family’s needs above his own, laying down his life for his loved ones as
Christ did for His Bride (1 Timothy 5:8; Ephesians 5:25).
Remind all wives to give their full attention to their
husband and to listen to him daily and show joy over his victories and concern
about his setbacks. Teach her to show respect and appreciation for him for all
that he does for their family and home (Ephesians 5:33). Help each
couple to work together to raise their children in Your nurture and counsel.
Thought for the Day:
Take time in your marriage to nourish and cherish one
another. - Ephesians 5:29
