Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 20, 2020
The wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33
Respect for a husband is like love is for a wife. It is a catalyst for his confidence and encouragement that he can fulfill his role as provider and leader. Most men question their ability to be everything they need to be for their family. But insecurities become insignificant in a home where a husband feels respect. A wife’s support energizes her man like jet fuel to a booster rocket.
Husbands need the support of their wives. It of course works both ways, as the wife needs to feel the support of her husband. But, this is huge for a man. A God fearing husband knows the Lord has placed him in a position of leadership. It is overwhelming sometimes because of feeling squeezed from the pressures of life. The last thing a husband needs to feel is distance or distrust from his wife. Her spousal support may be the only thing that is preventing him from giving up.
“He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect” (1 Timothy 3:4).
Do not underestimate the sustainability of your support for your spouse. Your affirmation is valuable and powerful for the ongoing success of your husband. Men are not as self-sufficient as they might seem. On the outside we may seem invincible, but on the inside we are needy and desperate for recognition and validation. A man needs to know his wife trusts his decision-making and his ability to provide for his family.
Your confidence in him propels his confidence in himself to higher levels. Your belief in your husband builds him up to believe in himself. It is difficult for a man to rise any higher than the opinion of his helpmate. Men long to be built up by their brides. Brag on him in public and affirm him in private. Look to your husband as the leader God has placed in your life.
Pray for him to lead lovingly and wisely. Be patient to not usurp his authority when things are not getting done. Trust him with God. God can handle him much better than your creative consequences. Give him over to God and trust in the accountability of the Almighty. Embrace your husband in the light of eternity. God wants him to grow up and give spiritual leadership. Let him lead—even when it means he fails. Your respect can grow the heart of your husband to love well.
“Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor” (Romans 13:7).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me eyes of faith to see my identity in you, so out of respect for myself, I am able to respect others, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
How can I respect my husband in a way that encourages him and also honors the Lord?
Related Reading
Deuteronomy 1:15; Proverbs 31:23; Luke 11:43; 1 Timothy 3:2-4
Taken from Boyd’s newest 40 day devotional book: Wisdom For Living
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Men long to be built up by their brides. Affirm him in public and question him in private. #wisdomhunters #respect #truth #Jesus
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