One of the most important relationship matters is showing respect to each other as husband and wife. As a wife, this comes in the form of speaking appropriately to your husband. Remember, your words draw your husband either near or far from you.
Respect Is One Among Many Relationship Matters to Work On
“Let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” – Ephesians 5:33
Did you know that there are husbands who would choose respect over love? This isn’t really surprising, considering that men have deep, innate need for respect. On the other hand, us, women, have a strong need for love. Dr. Emerson Eggerichs who is the author of the book Love and Respect backs these up.
According to him, a wife who feels unloved will act disrespectfully toward her husband. In return, a husband who feels disrespected will act unlovingly toward his wife. This is a cycle that can go on if one will not put down his or her pride.
Perhaps, you may ask, “Isn’t respect earned?” While this holds true in life, the Bible is very particular with God’s commandment on wives respecting their husbands. In 1 Peter 3, the Bible says, “Wives, respect and obey your husbands in the same way. Then the husbands who do not obey the word of God will want to know God. They will want to know God because their wives live good lives, even though they say nothing about God.”
Another verse is the Ephesians 5:33, where Apostle Paul writes, “Let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”
How You Can Show Respect to Your Husband
There are many ways to show respect to your husband. These include:
1. Speaking highly of him
Never belittle your husband in front of your friends, family, or colleagues. This will make him feel incapable and incompetent. Instead, practice speaking highly of him. Highlight his good qualities so other people in your circle will respect him too.
2. Giving him encouraging words
Be the wind beneath his sails. As his wife, you are his first and greatest source of hope and motivation. By trusting his leadership skills and abilities, you are encouraging him to do more. Phrases like “I trust you”, “I believe in you”, “You can do it”, etc. are somewhat synonymous to “I love you”. Appreciation also goes a long way, so always remember to say “Thank you” to your husband.
3. Serving him
Actions speak louder than words and this is also true when it comes to respecting your husband. Besides uttering words that show respect, you can also back it up with acts of love. Service can be in the form of making meals for him, arranging his things for work, etc.
4. Allowing God to be the enforcer
There will be many instances when you will have opposing opinions. While you are free to speak your mind, remember that you cannot change your husband’s viewpoint. You cannot also change his decisions on certain matters. When this happens, let God move his hands into your marriage. Pray for your husband so that he will hear your thoughts and decide wisely.
Respecting Your Husband Shows Your Respect to God
When you show respect to your husband no matter what his shortcomings are, you are also showing respect to God. You are living a life that is pleasing to Him. You are following His commandments to wives like you, and this is something that will ensure peace and love in your marriage.