The Wife's Respect
based on the book THE EXCELLECT WIFE by Martha Peace
based on the book THE EXCELLECT WIFE by Martha Peace
Five Biblical principles that explain the wife's respect for her husband:
1. The wife Is to respect her husband.
The amplified Bible gives further insight into this verse from Ephesians 5:33. “...let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband – and that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates and esteems him, and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly.”
2. The wife is to respect his position.
As pastor's wives it may be fairly simple to show respect to our husbands when they are in the pulpit, but what about in his life – at home? The Lord would have us be “thankful in all things...” I Thessalonians 5:18. That means showing respect during the difficult times, such as in his failures. Respect him when he is just in his everyday, ordinary life.
3. The wife is to behave in a respectful manner.
Be especially cautious of your words, tone of voice, and countenance as you speak to your husband. Ephesians 4:29 says “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up...” Perhaps the most helpful thing you can do is ask your husband to hold you accountable for showing respect to him. Your willingness to let your husband help you in this way, reflects your level of maturity.
4. The wife is to reprove her husband respectfully.
If your husband is doing something wrong, and a reproof is needed, so so gently and privately in order to restore him to a right relationship with God. Scripture says, “Love … does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth...” I Corinthians 13:5,6.
5. The wife who is disrespectful may experience severe consequences.
The most likely consequence to disrespect would be a rebuke from your husband because he has the responsibility before God to reprove you - “...if someone is caught in sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.” After all, disrespect toward your husband is a sin! Or he may respond by feeling hurt, pouting, becoming bitter, angry, abusive, or defensive. None of us wants that, do we. Additionally, disrespecting our husband tarnishes the reputation of the Lord Jesus Christ since our response to our husbands should be, “...as is fitting in the Lord” (Colossians 3:18.)
Treating your husband with respect is not based on his merit, he doesn't have to first earn it. Respect is something you choose to give him, it's a heart attitude. On page 115 of the book THE EXCELLENT WIFE there is a self-assessment that would be beneficial for all. The book is worth buying, if for no other reason than to gauge your own personal level of respect. If you find yourself guilty of the sin of disrespecting your husband, confess it to God, realizing He will be “faithful and just to forgive...” (I John 1:9) and ask your husband's forgiveness too.
