In last week’s “two minute marriage builder” I discussed moving your marriage from the ‘crazy cycle’ to the ‘energizing cycle’ and closed with offering practical “how-tos” this week.
Break out the tools, we’re gonna do a little Love and Respect work.
Husbands, take a moment to contemplate how your wife has loved you. The ability to love comes natural for her. Think, how have you loved her? She has a need to be loved by you. Purpose in your heart to demonstrate your love to her each day in the way SHE wants to be loved. Say to her, “I love you” daily.
 Agape love is not an emotional response to being loved, rather it is an action motivated by decision to act. Demonstrate your love by sacrificially serving her. Try washing the dishes, cleaning the bathroom, watching the kids for her, or doing the laundry (remember to separate colors and whites!). Then watch her melt.
Wives, consider your behavior towards your husband. Men respond to honor and respect. Write him a note or simply tell him how and why you respect him. You will be amazed at his response. Respect is given, not earned (See Ephesians 5:33).
The scripture does not have a ‘condition’ of the man first earning respect. You are to simply see to it that you respect him. Try this secret test: Tell him you were thinking about him today and the reasons you respect him. Then casually turn your attention towards something else. Within seconds he will be asking you what it is that you respect about him. Be ready with the answer!
Mark S. Disbrow is pastor of Amazing Grace Community Church in Aspen Springs. |