Straight A’s In Love

Again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Ephesians 5:33

MAYBE YOU HEARD A SERMON ON marriage and got overwhelmed by the message. Perhaps it was a book on relationships, and reading it felt like torture. Does marriage have to be so complicated? Where can a guy go to learn the basics about marriage?

Ephesians 5:33 is one place. Paul adds up all the previous wisdom about marriage, and shares the bottom line: Love your wife as you would want to be loved. No one wants to receive a barely passing grade in love. We all want the best, go-to-the-head-of-the-class, A-plus love!

What’s that like? Apply some A words to your relationship with your wife.

Attention is one of those words. Every wife needs attention, which means you are fully present in relating to her. An occasional grunt in the middle of watching a ball game on TV does not a conversation make.

Acceptance is another area in which you need to earn an A. Love your wife for who she is, not for who you want her to be.

Appreciation is important too. Your wife performs all manner of little tasks and chores that get overlooked during the week. Shower her with appreciation on a daily basis.

Affection is a final A. Women need affection that doesn’t always have to be sexual. Give these A’s to your wife, and you will go to the head of the class in Marriage 101!

BOTTOM LINE

Ask God to help you make straight A’s in your marriage.

Moment of Strength: Ephesians 5:25-33