We have talked about the importance of showing our husbands respect. We have seen that this is part of God's plan for marriage. But does your husband deserve respect?
"Showing reverence isn't always the easiest thing. We're talking about human beings here, who at times may disappoint and infuriate us. This is where we look past our duty toward man to see the perfection of Christ who gave up His life on the cross--unfailing love abounding in grace."
Love and grace. So freely given to us by Christ. How often do we freely give it? How often do we extend grace to our husbands?
So your husband has faults? Does he have issues? Has he made poor decisions? Has he messed up your finances? Has he had a physical or an emotional affair? He may have done one or more of these things. He's human and he is going to let you down at times. Don't you think we make mistakes too? If we want him to show us love and grace (even when we may not deserve it), then we should do the same for him.
Remember the verse in Ephesians we just touched on? "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." (Ephesians 5:33) God already gave us a perfect plan for marriage and knew what each spouse would need. Women, we need to feel loved. And our men need to feel respected. And when we respect our husbands, it truly does build them up. They want to do more to earn our respect and they want to show us love more often.
Tonight I totally messed up and totally deflated my husband's bubble. He asked my opinion on something he had written. And I blew it. I was way too judgemental. I could have gone about it in a much better way. Seeing that deflated look on his face made me realize the impact I have on his attitude, demeanor and outlook. We have such a powerful impact, I think we could make or break our husbands.
So let's be sure to build our men up. It will be a win-win situation to be sure. They will get the affirmation and respect they need, we will reap the benefits because they will want to do more to earn that respect. I know I do much better with this when I worry about my own shortcomings and walk with God. Looking inward sure does put things in perspective. When I focus more on changing me, I have less time to be critical of him.
I found this quote online and I think it speaks volumes on showing respect even when we don't feel like he deserves it. "If all you can see is rust and dents on your man’s armor, then you become the one to make that armor shiny again! Polish your man up by your encouraging words and actions. When you do this, your heart towards him will start to grow softer and the respect you once had for him will start to develop again." ~ Jolene Engle - http://joleneengle.com/when-youve-lost-respect-for-your-husband-a-marital-oneness-monday-link-up/
So this weekend I encourage you to be intentional in showing respect. Make a list of things your husband does that means a lot to you. And tell him! And be sure to give him your love, mercy and grace.
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