God should be the center of every Christian relationship. Too often, couples overlook the importance of God in their relationship decision-making. Christian husbands place God at the center of their relationships and allow Him to be the main influence in their relationship. True love follows because God is at the center. It is important for women to be in relationships with men who are not only respectful, but who also glorify God. In these marriages, couples allow God to guide them. When it comes to love, the Bible is filled with incredible wisdom for husbands that can be applied on their marriage journey. A Christian husband is faithful to his wife. Even when times are difficult due to physical, emotional and physical challenges, a husband’s will allow his happiness to come second to sacrificially love his wife “as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). A Christian husband is also attentive to his wife. He should always do his best to set aside a substantial amount of time to be with his wife and seek to understand her better. Doing this allows his relationship with his wife to grow closer to each other and build a strong a marriage that honors God. Here are seven important responsibilities of a Christian husband.

To Appreciate His Wife

A Christian husband knows that you are a gift from God. He appreciates you and all the things you do. The man you inevitably end up with should make you feel loved, wanted and appreciated. This is a profoundly important piece of the puzzle. A good man will always remind you how much you mean to him. Men can be less communicative or affectionate than women are, but this does is not an excuse. If someone truly loves you, you will know it and feel it. If you don’t, you’ll be wondering all the time if they do. You should never commit your time, energy and effort into someone who wouldn’t give you the same in return. Many of us learn the hard way that being with someone who doesn’t appreciate you can make you feel more alone than being single does.

To Respect His Wife 

Respect is one of the most important factors in any relationship, especially in the eyes of God. A Christian husband respects his wife. The Bible tells us, “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect…” (1 Peter 3:7). Respect is so important that God’s Word tells us if we neglect this command, our prayers will be hindered. Respect can mean many things. When Paul tells wives to submit to their husbands in Ephesians 5:24, he doesn’t mean that wives must endure neglect, abuse or mistreatment of any kind by their husband. A Christian husband is called to show his wife honor both privately and publicly and acknowledges his wife’s excellence and self-worth through acts of consideration. They help their wives whenever and wherever you can, especially when they notice she’s in a position of need.

To Be Loyal to His Wife

Fidelity in marriage demands total commitment and prioritizing your spouse above all else. A Christian husband knows that it will take effort, work and sacrifice. But he also knows the reward is sweeter than the price he may feel he has to pay. Loyalty is vital to a happy, healthy, safe and lasting marriage. Loyalty is the foundation of true love. When a man shows loyalty in his marriage, his wife feels safe and secure in the marriage. A loyal husband listens carefully and is attentive. He doesn’t let people or things pull his loyalty away from his wife. A Christian husband is also loyal. They speak highly of their wives, especially when their wives aren’t around. They stand up for their wives in all situations. He doesn’t keep secrets from his wife. He is open and honest with his wife about both little and big things. He works to know his wife in a deeply intimate way.

To Be Gentle With His Wife

A Christian husband’s love is gentle. First Corinthians 13:4-5 reminds us that love is never harsh. Jesus is gentle with the Church and is the example of how a husband must be gentle with his wife. Scripture tells us, “Do not be harsh with your wife” (Colossians 3:19). A man should treat the woman he is with not only with respect, but also with tenderness. Harshness can be anything from an angry look and irritability to disrespectful and demeaning language. In short, being harsh is anything that reflects hostility. We all have bad days, but whatever you’re going through internally should not be taken out on the woman you’re with. A Christian husband is keen to this. He focuses on the fact that she is not only a precious gift to his life but also a precious child of God. Because of this, it’s hard to not show her respect.

To Lift Up His Wife

Scriptures says, “Call your wife ‘blessed’ and praise her.” (Proverbs 31: 28-29). A Christian husband acknowledges the woman he’s with for all that she is. He doesn’t take her for granted. He praises her for who she is in his life and his family’s life. He’s not afraid to compliment her not only for the things she does or the way she looks, but also for the things she provides. When a woman doesn’t feel appreciated, it opens the door for trouble within the relationship. Sometimes, all she wants to hear is thank you and know that you treasure her. A Christian husband does this. The woman he’s with often appreciates the fact that he appreciates who she is in his life.

To Focus on His Wife

In addition to being loyal, a Christian husband is focused on his wife, his family and God. The Bible tells us, “Do not be captivated by other women” (Proverbs 5:20). Our world is filled with many distractions and many forms of temptation. With shifting standards when it comes to marriage, many men struggle with this. But God wants more for you. God wants you to focus on the one person you’re with and not be captivated by other women. A Christian husband doesn’t put himself in positions where he will be tempted. He knows that when he begins to look at other women and develop attractions for them, it can take you down a path of sin and away from the relationship.

To Listen to His Wife

A good Christian husband will listen to his wife. He is also cognizant of what her needs are. It’s likely that just about every person would say they’re a good listener, but listening isn’t an innate ability all people possess. It’s a skill that’s cultivated. It’s a critical quality for couples because the foundation of successful communication is being able to truly listen to each other. A Christian man is a great listener because He puts his wife’s needs first. He pays attention to what you say. He lets you vent, regardless of the subject. A man who truly loves you cares about what you have to say. A Christian husband also works through conflict. While conflict shows up in every marriage, biblical love perseveres. He will practice using patience, love, prayer and communication to solve problems that he and his wife face in marriage.

Are these responsibilities carried out by your husband? If so, that is an incredibly great sign. These tasks are often overlooked but are often key signs that he is the one for you. If your man expresses these things, he really values you in his life. If the man you are with puts in the effort to be this person for you, let them know how much you appreciate them. No matter how kind a person is, there is no emptier feeling than giving your heart to someone who you feel takes it for granted.