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Rules of Engagement 4 (Rule of Love and Respect 1)


Another name for this rule is the rule of equilibrium. According to Bishop David Oyedepo, ...If love does not match reverence in the home, the marriage is bound to collapse.

 

Each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband - Ephesians 5:33 (NIV)
 Do you know why Paul instructed husbands to love their wives? I believe it is because women need love. A woman spells love as affection and attention. On the other hand, wives are instructed to respect their husbands; because men see love as respect.
 
Here are certain things every husband should know about power of love and respect in marriage.
 
1. As a man, you are the leader of your home, and you decide the degree of love in your family.

According to Newton’s law of motion; to every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In the context of marriage, we can say that the reaction (attitude) of a wife can be influenced by the actions (love) of the husband.
 
You are the leader of your home, the captain of your ship, and the driver of your marriage vehicle. If the vehicle is going in a wrong direction, the driver can’t blame the passengers. If your wife is not submissive or respectful enough, don’t wait for her to change; increase your dose of love on her. Love is capable of compelling submission. Likewise wives, don’t wait for your husband to love you before you respect and submit. Play your part and in due time, your seed sown will compel him to love you more. There is no need praying for God to change your spouse when you are violating the rule of love and respect.  
 
2. The best way to love your wife is how Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25)
What is the Jesus-kind of love? The Jesus-kind of love is the love that commits to the need of your spouse, unconditionally, without an expectation. The bible says while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
In other words, your decision to love your wife should not be determined by behavior or misbehavior.  Jesus kind of love is sacrificial, giving and unconditional.

 

...to be continued

 

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