It is so easy to declare that we love our spouse. Easy to say that we would give our lives for them, that they mean everything to us.
And yet in the day to day life, where love is tested and tried, it is easy to see if they really live out sacrificial love.
I’ve been married almost 7 years, and in those day to day moments have seen my husband show such selfless love.
He calls me when he knows he’ll be late, just to let me know where he is so I won’t worry.
He sometimes buys me something in town because he knows my love language is gifts and that it would mean a lot.
He is quick to admit he could do better, and ask forgiveness.
He sees that there is a diaper that needs changed and does it so I don’t have to.
He berates himself for not washing the dishes for me more often when I never expected it in the first place.
He flirts with me in the kitchen and makes me feel beautiful and cherished in front of our children.
Manhood and masculinity get a bad reputation in today’s culture, but I’m here to say that a Godly husband is a treasure I don’t take lightly. How could I not respect such a man?
During Couples Night every Wednesday, we’ve been going through the book Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. It has been eye opening and convicting to hear about how unconditional love is vital for a woman, and unconditional respect is vital for a man.
He talks about the Love/Respect cycles, where if the husband acts without love, the wife reacts without respect and a vicious cycle begins to spiral.
On the other hand, as I see my husband act with love, I naturally react with respect and a life-giving cycle is activated.
It’s been so good to go through the book with the other couples in church: to see the strengths and weaknesses in our own relationship, and find ways to make it stronger.
Have you ever read the book Love and Respect?
Just last week I started rereading that book. It is good for me to be challenged again in the whole respect aspect of marriage. Respecting our husbands and expressing it to them, is something that all us wives need to keep working on!!
I discovered your blog a few months ago and enjoy reading your posts 🙂 it makes me want to visit Alaska 😉 this book recommendation greatly intrests me. Happy days to you!
-a wife and mama from Mississippi
We have read the book but it’s been awhile. I don’t remember disagreeing with what is said. It seems though as if this book really gets a beating by some people for it’s teaching.
You are very blessed to have such a thoughtful husband. That is a really nice picture of you both. Love the background.
I’ve read it!
My husband and I are currently working on the book…me in my quiet time at home and him listening on the truck. It is a blessing with lots of wisdom. Courage to you!