LOVE AND RESPECT

One evening a husband returned from work and found his home cluttered and un-kept. Calling his wife he asked, “What on earth happened today?”

“So,” she responded thoughtfully, “every evening when you arrive home you ask, ‘What did you do all day?’ Well, now you know.”

When a man and woman become husband and wife, a unique relationship is formed: the two become one. And when the two are merged into one, a unique union is formed. From then on, whatever affects one certainly affects the other. It is as if there is no seam or separation.

Paul said that “each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” We know that a man “loves himself” if he takes care of himself as one who was created in God’s image and for God’s glory. If a man takes his obligation to God seriously, he will be concerned about his spiritual, mental and physical well-being. How? By developing his relationship with God, putting “good things” into his mind, and caring for his body. These are the “right” things to do. And, as he cares for himself, he must – willingly and consistently – also care for his wife the same way. A wife knows that her husband cares for her if he cares for himself as God intended him to. He will also want the same – what is best in God’s sight and teachings – for her. Respect for the husband comes easily and naturally and freely and consistently when the wife knows she is being cared for the way God intended.

Prayer: Lord, we pray that in our homes and in our lives we will live the true love that comes only from You. Help us to live love and show love as Your Son did. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33