It is the duty of the husband to toil for her support; to provide for her needs...to attend on her in sickness to go before her in danger; to defend her if she is in peril; and to be ready to die to save her.On Father’s Day, what is the best thing a man can do? Love His wife! American comedian, Jack Benny, was married in 1927. He and his wife, Mary, remained together for 47 years, until Jack died in 1984. One practical way Jack showed love for his wife was through giving her a rose every day of their marriage. The day after Jack died though, Mary received another rose. After contacting the florist, she learned that Jack arranged through his will for Mary to continue receiving daily roses until her death, which continued for eight years until 1983. What an example to his daughter and grandchildren. Does loving your wife mean giving her a rose every day? It did for Jack Benny.
Where does this idea of men loving their wives come from? You might think, “Well, duh, it is just common sense.” If it is, then why do not all husbands do it? Why do some abuse their wives and cheat on them? Because loving your wife, it is not common sense for every man. Read this important truth--all that is good, right and beautiful has one source—God. The Bible says, “Husbands, love your wives…” (Ephesians 5:25) The idea of a husband loving his wife, originates from God. He created men with an instinctive desire to marry and love their wives. However, there is one thing which has complicated that—sin. It is the inner spiritual curse within every human being that causes us to do wrong; from evil thoughts, prideful attitudes, to selfish actions. This is why many men do not love their wives as they should, and one indication of that is how they view marriage and family. Some view their wives as maids to cook and clean for them, and raise the kids so they can work long hours to achieve their career goals, or have time to spend in their man-caves. Other men may view their wives as merely business partners, bookkeepers, or someone to pleasure them on demand.
How are men to love their wives? “…as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…” (Eph. 5:25) Love your wives, the way Jesus loved the church. Jesus is pictured as the husband, and the church as His wife, and when Jesus suffered, died, was buried and rose again from the dead, it was like a husband doing that for his wife. What is this communicating? Husbands are to love their wives with a self-sacrificing spirit. They are to love with a wholehearted, fully devoted and unconditional attitude--no matter the personal cost, and no matter if their wife is grateful for it or not. This is a revolutionary idea in a world of selfish and domineering, as well as passive, men.
One writer explains this idea of a man’s self-sacrificing love for his wife, “It is the duty of the husband to toil for her support; to provide for her needs; to deny himself of rest and ease, if necessary, in order to attend on her in sickness to go before her in danger; to defend her if she is in peril; and to be ready to die to save her. Why should he not be? If they are shipwrecked, and there is a single plank on which safety can be secured, should he not be willing to place her on that, and see her safe at all hazards to himself?” Do you love your wife this way?
The Bible says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition [but let] each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4) As men, all of us at times have been guilty of selfishness, and because of that, there has been heartache in our homes. Today, God is calling you to live differently. He sent His only Son to die and rise again for you. Trust Him, for He can make a way.
A prayer for you – Lord God, I admit my failures before you as a man and husband. I make no excuses. Please help me to change my ways. Through Jesus, make me into the man you want me to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
