If your husband works outside the home, it can be easy to be unaware of all that he is doing. Mix that with being caught up in our own affairs and tasks, and we might not be properly recognizing our husband’s meaningful place in the family. We are called to honor our spouses, so let’s look at how we can do that every day.
My husband spends his days “making dents repent,” as he likes to say. Day in and day out, he faithfully heads to the shop to fix cars and bring home the bacon. I work in another area of the home economy: schooling the kids, caring for and managing the home, and preparing the meals.
We have unique talents, skills, and knowledge that are used in unique ways in our marriage, but those unique aspects are exactly what make us one. Where I lack, he can supply, and where he lacks, I can supply.
My husband can calm me down when I am anxious about the children, carry the 70-lb feed bag when I can’t, make Dad jokes with a finesse that I do not possess, and fix anything.
My husband’s humor, easygoing nature, and positive outlook have greatly helped our marriage and impacted our family. When I struggled through postpartum anxiety, he was able to be our rock amidst my continually fluctuating emotions. When a hormonal mother was attempting to parent a hormonal daughter, he was the peacemaker.
I may be the dreamer in the family, but he is the executor, and without him, road trips, goat pens and family bonfires wouldn’t exist. We have achieved a balance in our relationship.
The Bible speaks about the balance between man and wife. 1 Peter 3:7 (ESV) speaks to the benefit of a husband who contributes to the marriage and supports his wife, “husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
The husband is commanded to understand his wife and help her where she needs it so that his faith will remain strong. In other places, scripture admonishes men to love their wives sacrificially as Jesus loves his church, and in this instance, the woman’s faith grows in the process.
All relationships require at least two people. Scripture tells women to “respect their husband” (Ephesians 5:33), “to love their husbands” (Titus 2:4), and to submit to them. This means that while husbands are admonished to lead, love, and support, wives have responsibilities too.
Recognizing all that our husbands do to influence our family, contribute to our well-being, and lead us spiritually should spur us to honor them in return.
Are you looking for practical ways to honor your husband? You can start by taking time to make a list of the ways your husband contributes to the family culture, economy, and faith. Then, make some plans to honor him in simple ways that will bless him and show your appreciation.
The Bible speaks a lot about honor, emphasizing the putting of others’ needs before our own. While we often apply this to outsiders, we can unintentionally forget to apply it to our own family. The wisdom of the Bible regarding love, kindness, gratitude, and honor can be applied to our husbands every day.
Get weekly updates from Family Christian on all things Marriage!