A Husband’s Greatest Need

Did you know that God never commanded wives to love their husbands? Certainly, God expects such love. Paul told Titus that older women should “encourage the young women to love their husbands” (Titus 2:4). But God’s basic command is for wives to respect their husbands. There’s no denying that men have strong egos…with a great need for recognition. Just as women have a need to be loved, men have a need to be respected. That is why Peter tells wives not to use their tongues to turn disobedient husbands around, but rather to use reverence (1 Peter 3:1-2). When a man’s wife gives him respect, he is more likely to return that respect with the love and security she seeks.

Sarah called Abraham “lord,” recognizing his position as head of the home and as a demonstration of sincere respect (1 Peter 3:6). That pleased Abraham, but more important, it pleased God. In fact, God honored Sarah so much that He gave her a child when she was ninety! And He will honor your submission as well. Many men don’t receive respect at their jobs or in the world, where they’re looked at as inferior no matter what their age. There needs to be a place where they know they are respected. That place, in God’s wise plan, should be the home.