Be considerate of my co-workers. Check.
Don’t get angry at rude drivers on the road. Check.
Be honest in my business dealings. Check.
Be kind to my wife. UNCHECK.
I can keep my promises to be kind, understanding, and patient with nearly everyone I encounter. However, it is the most difficult promise to be kind to my wife. It is one of my most shameful behaviors. I love my wife but when I am with her, I lose my filters. I feel comfortable and I unload all of my frustrations of the day. In my charged emotional state, I yell and grow impatient with her. It should never be this way. I should treat her tenderly and lovingly, never be harsh with her. Instead, she gets my crumbs instead of my best effort to reconnect with her at the end of the day. God is clear about how I should care for my wife.
Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.
Colossians 3:19 (ESV)
Why? Once again, God gives us the answer through His Word.
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…
Ephesians 5:25 (ESV)
Marriage is more than a relationship. It is the sacred bond between Jesus Christ and His Church, the Body of Christ. If I treat my wife harshly, it means that I denigrate my relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I lack faith and trust in the power of His Holy Spirit to restore the sanctity of our marriage. My wife should not be an afterthought at the end of the day. My day should begin with her and I should eagerly seek to restore the relationship we were brought together to glorify God.
Amen!
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 