If you search the internet right now, you can find a ton of relationship advice on how a husband should treat his wife. However, what this advice tends to lack is the importance of God in our relationship decision-making. When a man allows God to influence his relationship, true love follows. When it comes to love, the Bible is mostly filled with wisdom for husbands and wives, many of these same principles can be applied for singles on their relationship journey. If you want a relationship with a woman that is respectful and glorifies God, allow Him to guide you. While husbands are given a biblical framework, all husbands have work to do in God’s eyes. Just because husbands fall short, they should still strive to be good husbands to their wives and live out the exhortations for married men that is recorded in the Bible. Husbands are told to “love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). This is impossible to do in your own strength. Husbands must supernaturally die to self and this can only be done with God’s Spirit enabling them to love their wives like Jesus loves His church. Men must also let go of their old nature and embrace a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Here are six responsibilities of a husband according to the Bible.
Respect
“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect…” 1 -Peter 3:7
Respect is one of the most important factors in any relationship, especially in the eyes of God. It is so important that God’s Word tells us if we neglect this command, our prayers will be hindered. Respect can mean many things. Acknowledge your special lady’s excellence and self-worth through acts of consideration. Help her whenever and wherever you can, especially when you notice she’s in a position of need.
Gentleness
“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. If you focus on the fact that she is not only a precious gift to your life but also a precious child of God, it’s hard to not show her respect.
Focus
“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 modern dating, many men struggle with this, especially when they’re not married. 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. When you begin to look at other women and develop attractions for them, it takes you down a path of sin and away from the relationship. If you put that distracted energy into your wife or your relationship, imagine how strong your bond could be?
With Praise
“Call your wife ‘blessed’ and praise her.” -Proverbs 31: 28-29
Scripture tells us that a man should acknowledge the woman he’s with for all that she is. Don’t take her for granted. Praise her. 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. The woman your with will appreciate the fact that you appreciate who she is in your life.
Honor
“Honor your marriage; keep it pure by remaining true to your wife in every way.” Hebrews 13:4
God wants you to honor your relationship by being committed to the woman you’re with. We are reminded through Scripture that lustful looks are considered adulterous (Matthew 5:28). Honor the woman you’re with physically, mentally and emotionally by remaining true to her. When a man sets his eyes on another woman who he is not in a committed relationship with, it only takes away from your relationship and God’s Will for your life. When you honor her, you open the space to experience a love many others will never experience.
Prioritization
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” -Ephesians 5:31
A Christian husband loves his wife by prioritizing her. He neither idolizes her nor neglects her. His wife is not the only person he loves and serves but he does put her above others in a special way. When a Christian husband gets married, his parents are treated differently and his friends are treated differently. All other relationships come second to his wife. A good Christian husband also keeps a special place in his heart just for his wife.
A good Christian husband is a leader, a provider and a protector. He loves his wife and leads her by biblical example. While a husband and a wife are unique individuals with their own thoughts and beliefs, they are joined in a special way that only a husband and wife can be united.
