A book I wish I would have read closer to the beginning of our marriage is Love and Respect by Dr. Emmerson Eggerichs.Dr Eggerichs clarifies why today five out of ten marriages end in divorce, by coming to the conclusion that 'love is not all you need'.
I knew that I just needed to feel loved but it caught me by surprise that my husband's biggest need is to feel respected. This book is about how, when a wife respects her husband, her need for love will also be met . . . and the cycle of love and respect makes the marriage complete.
I think this is a difficult thing to do because it doesn't always come naturally. It is easy to say "I love you," but it feels strange to say, "I respect you for making that decision . . . " or "I'm so proud of what you accomplished today" ... or to honor him by how you talk to the kids about him. So much of the media makes husbands and dads look like fools or losers, in order to create humor. But it is not funny, when you think of what it does to him or what it teaches the kids.
It is amazing what a husband will do for a wife who makes him feel like he's (still) her hero . . . oh and I have so much to learn on that, but I believe it works.
Maybe it works because God designed it that way.
" Each one of you must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Ephesians 5:33
7 comments:
Yes this is so true!
I just read that book two years ago and SO wished it has been given to me when I was married 32 years ago. Oh my, all the sermons that I have had to listen to about submission, when really it is all about love and respect. I recommend that book and Sacred Marriage all the time now.
i'm so glad i read that book early on in our marriage, it really opened my eyes to a lot of things. now, i can hardly stand it when i see wives disrespecting their husbands on tv or in real life, i just want to shake them and say "do you have ANY clue what you are doing to your marriage?" of course, it doesn't always come naturally, but i'm learning and working on it daily!
Anneliese. . .this is very wise adivce. .
When a husband is easy to respect it is eary to learn. . but for some girls, they need to look for reason to respect their husbands much like we watch small childrent to affirm their obedience. .
We've been in circles where wives have put down thier husbands publicly, not only does it make everyone feel uncomfortable but the chasm grows with each put down.
I haven't read the book but it sounds like it's worth the pick up. Thanks Annelise.
I have never heard of the book...but am glad you shared it with us. It's never too late to begin repecting our husbands...and one day at a time our marriages will improve. Thanks for reminding us of Ephesians 5:33.
I tried this philosophy out on Paet when he was 3. I said, "Paet, I'm so proud of you!" and he immediately responded back with, "Mommy, I love you so much."
it is so true....it needs to be taught more and practiced more.
Post a Comment