Respect

R-E-S-P-E-C-T find out what it means to mean. What Aretha failed to mention is finding out what it looks like for a wife to be respectful of her husband. Respect needs to be a two-way street but it starts with the wife. Being disrespectful first started in the garden and look how well that has turned out for all mankind. Nevertheless, as for you individually, each husband is to love his own wife the same as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5:33. Respecting your husband is not an option. If you wish to follow the will of God then it is something that must be done. The Greek word for respect is phobeo, when translated to English it means to be in awe of or to give special treatment. When was the last time you were in awe of your husband? Your husband has been given authority over your family, to lead and guide them down the right path, the path that God has set before him. As a respectful wife, we not only have to be respectful on the outside but also have a heart and attitude that matches. Being respectful does not mean you can’t have your own opinion or concerns. What it does mean is at the end of the day, what your husband has decided will be and you are to loving and respectfully follow his lead. He should not have to drag you kicking and screaming, nor should you go running off to your friends telling everyone how much you hate this new decision and wish things could go back to the way they were

A disrespectful wife is not always easy to spot. Sure we understand to not make fun of or criticize especially around others, but being respectful is more encompassing than that. Disrespect can also come in the forms of being short with your husband, irritable, or impatient. And let’s not forget that look that we give him that says, “Say or do one more thing, I dare you.” Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29. So now that 100% of us have sinned against God and been disrespectful to our spouses, we should probably look at some more encouraging things like what being respectful looks like. Be especially cautious with your words, tone of voice, and body language towards your spouse. If you need help in that area, as we all do, ask your husband to point out these areas to you, in a loving manner of course. Do not preach to your husband when he makes a mistake, instead pray for him. Don’t delight in his failures or shortcomings, instead grieve with him that things did not turn out the way he had hoped. Remember your husband is trying his best to lead his family in a way that is honoring to God. You scolding him or rejoicing in his failures only puts a wedge between you and him. Be encouraging to your spouse, build him up whenever possible, and remember how many times you fail and how God does not rejoice or say I told you so when that does happen.