Love & Respect

I want to revisit the Love & Respect concept (Ephesians 5:33) and the crazy cycle from Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. Dr. Gary Chapman has discussed the five love languages for spouses. I want to examine the language of respect for the next couple of days. Webster Dictionary defines respect as an act of giving particular attention : consideration. We are going to examine respect as it relates to this definition.

What does it mean to give particular attention to or show consideration? Since the bible commands a woman to be respectful to her husband, I will be dealing with the wives on this respect issue (don't take it personal, ladies). Okay, back to giving particular attention or showing consideration. Well, when you pay close attention to something, you study it, you examine it, you take good care of it. Think about how you are with your children or other children. You watch their movements carefully, you cater to them, you make sure they have everything they need to be comfortable, you show consideration, kindness. Okay now think about that concept with your spouse. Pay close attention to them. watch their movements carefully, cater to them, make sure they have everything they need to be comfortable, show consideration and kindness.

It is impossible for you know about your spouse without paying close attention to them as well as communicating with them. Spend time with them, catering to their needs. Speak their love language; but most importantly-speak their language of respect. Well you might ask: "What about me? What do I get in return? What if they don't love me or respect me back? What if they don't receive it?" Philippians 2:3 says, Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. When it comes to our spouses, we should not be selfish. Remember your marriage is not about you. Your life is not about you. Your marriage is about showing others the love God has for the church. You should be an example of that love. Your reward comes from God.

Respect your husbands. Love them. Show consideration for their needs. Pay particular attention to them. Do it today.

Ephesians 5:33, "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."