Honoring Your Husband

On our wedding days, most of us promised something along the lines of “I take you to be my lawfully wedded husband, for better or worse, in sickness and in health for as long as we both shall live”. At the time we mean that and we definitely want to live out those vows to the fullest but after the honeymoon is over, life starts setting in with all of its challenges, disappointments, and temptations. Suddenly those vows that you said seem harder and harder to fulfill. If we are not careful our marriage can become more transactional. If you give me what I want and keep me happy, I will do the same for you, but if you mistreat me, I will also do the same to you. That’s a far cry from for better or worse, but for better or worse, it means still honoring and respecting your spouse even when he is doing the exact opposite to you. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:5-7) We start our marriages off serving our spouse but then use him to serve ourselves. Most of us do start out with the best of intentions but due to our sin nature, we are naturally inclined to fall away from the type of love that God requires and tend to sink into the transactional love that Satan temps us with.

When you start to honor your husband, you are showing him that he has value and importance to you. He becomes more than just a paycheck, more than just a security guard, and more than a lover. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:9-11. How do we honor one another before ourselves? First, we can use our words to uplift and affirm. We can express love, appreciation, and support by regularly complimenting your positive qualities. We can also express gratitude for both the big and small things he does reinforcing your appreciation for his efforts. You can also do something for him as a way to show your love and appreciation. You can cook him his favorite meal or create a relaxing space for him at home. Spending quality time together is another way to honor your spouse. Plan regular date nights or special evenings together to show him you value spending quality time with him. By being devoted to your spouse and honoring him, you are putting God’s love into action. Does this mean that it will make your marriage perfect? No, we are still humans living in a fallen world but we have a lifetime to spend with our spouses, why not make it the best lifetime for both you and him?