“Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.” (Colossians 3:19). How many husbands have this verse memorized or even know it exists?
Since God ordained men as leaders they have a natural tendency toward a need to control. When the leadership ability is submitted to God, the husband will be compassionate, quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger (James 1:19). But husbands not submitted to God tend to feel threatened by an opinion that differs from theirs.
Each of us has a unique perspective. If we are not open to seriously consider the views of our spouse, we can become bitter toward their suggestions. When we are bitter, our tongues become swords that cut to the bone and devastate the natural admiration and love that is birthed out of respect.
Men, God takes disrespect of your spouse seriously. Scripture says he will not answer prayers of husbands that do not treat their wives honorably (1 Peter 3:7).
The godly authority given to husbands is tempered by submission to Christ. The righteous man follows Jesus’ example of love (John 13:1-17 1 Corinthians 11:3, 11-12). Ephesians 5:21 tells us to submit to one another which reflects an attitude of love and respect.
God reminds both the husband and the wife that we are designed to work as a team.
