MAN NEEDS RESPECT
Eph 5:33 – “Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”
Husbands, love your wives, and wives, respect your husbands.
Because the female’s primary need is for love, she often thinks that the male’s primary need is for love as well. But see the verse again – The primary need of man is respect. Being respected is at the core of his self-esteem, and it affects every other area of his life.
The Bible calls women of the new covenant “daughters of Sarah.” She had her youth renewed, becoming more beautiful and fruitful in her old age. Here is a powerful secret from her life (Genesis 18:12): Sarah referred to her “imperfect” husband as “lord” in her heart.
Top Secret: Make respect your default mode.
4 WAYS TO SHOW RESPECT TO YOUR HUSBAND
- SUBMIT TO HIS LEADERSHIP
Eph 5:21-24 – “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.”
Wives submit to your husband
The man is the leader of the home. It is not debatable.
>Man was created first & first to receive instructions.
>It was man who named the animals, and whatever the man called them – they became so!
>When the fall occurred, God held man accountable for it.
Purpose necessitates position.
It doesn’t mean that the woman is in anyway lesser than the man; It is about God’s purposes:
Php 2:5-8 – “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
Even Jesus submitted to his Father – he was equal with God but submitted for purposes to be fulfilled.
It takes a secure woman to submit to her husband’s leadership.
Wife, you are a Helper: Help your husband take the lead – support him, give him your insight and help him
Wife, your husband is your covering: When the wife takes her husband’s name, it is not ownership, slavery, or inferiority – it is a privilege of being guarded and protected and valued.
- PROVIDE FOR HIM SEXUALLY & MAINTAIN HIM IN THIS AREA
One of the most important needs of the man is sexual satisfaction. That’s why he always seems ready. When a wife constantly rejects her husband from having sex, she humiliates him.
This is not an excuse for the man to be forceful and demand. In order for it to be fulfilling, it must be out of love. Be affectionate and gentle to her. But wives recognize the need and maintain your husband in this area – if he is getting too close to other women, make sure you step in to guide him to be wise in these matters
- CONDUCT YOURSELF IN DIGNITY
Pro 31:23 – “Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.”
The man is respected by all
Pro 31:25-27 – “Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.”
In the way she dresses, talks and carries herself, a wise wife of noble character brings honor to her husband publicly.
1 Cor 11:7 – “For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.”
The woman is the glory of man. Wife you are a reflection of your man; therefore, reflect him accurately.
1 Pet 3:1-2 – “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.”
Peter says that Submission is so powerful that it can even win your unbelieving husband.
- GIVE HIM WORDS OF APPRECIATION
AMP version of Ephesians 5:33: “ However, let each man of you [without exception] love his wife as [being in a sense] his very own self; and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [[a]that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and [b]that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly].”
Man is a worker: God has designed man in such a way that he derives a satisfaction from accomplishing something good and receiving a compliment gives him much joy. So, the wife’s verbal affirmation is crucial for a man’s self-esteem.
Every man is like a seed: water him and nurture him. While there is a time and place to point out his shortcomings and help him grow, constantly ridiculing him will do you no good. Don’t compare your man to anyone else—be his number one fan. Remember, a man will only change for the woman he loves. If he is trying, it means you important to him.
CONCLUSION: A word to the husbands: 1 Cor 11:3 – “But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.”
If you want your wife to joyfully submit to you and respect you truly, you ought to submit to Christ & his word. You submit to God and his word and show Christ’s love to her and she will respect you.
In order to be a firm foundation you need to have a firm foundation
Psalm 61:2 – “From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
Build your life on Jesus. He esteems you.