A MODEL FOR HUSBANDS

The Bible says that husbands should treat their wives in the same way that Jesus treats his disciples.  Consider this Bible direction:  "Husbands, continue loving your wives, just as the Christ also loved the congregation and delivered up himself for it . . .In this way husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies.  He who loves his wife loves himself, for no man ever hated his own flesh; but he feeds and cherishes it, as the Christ does the congregation." -Ephesians 5:23, 25-29. 

Jehovah's love for his congregation  of disciples sets a perfect example for husbands. Jesus "loved them  to the end," sacrificing his life for them, even though they were far from perfect.  (John 13:1; 15:13)  Similarly, husbands are urged:  "Keep on loving your wives and do not be bitterly angry with them."  (Colossians 3:19)  What will help a husband to apply such counsel, especially if his wife at times fails to act with discretion?  He should remember his own mistakes and what he must do to  receive God's forgiveness.  What is that?  He must forgive those who sin against him, and  that includes his wife.  Of course, she should do the same.  (Matthew 6:12, 14, 15)  Do you see  why some have said that  a successful marriage is the union of two good forgivers? 

Husbands also do well to note that Jesus always showed consideration for his disciples.  He took into account their limitations and physical needs.  When they were tired, for example, he said:  "Come, you yourselves, privately into  a lonely place and rest up a bit."  (Mark 6:30-32) Wives too deserve thoughtful consideration.  The Bible describes them as "a weaker vessel" to whom  husbands are commanded to "assign respect." Why?  Because both husbands and wives share equally in "the undeserved favor of life.' (1 Peter 3:7) Husbands should remember that it is faithfulness, not whether a person is male or female, that makes one precious to God. -Psalm 101:6. 

The Bible says that a husband "who loves his wife loves himself."  This is because a man and his wife "are no longer two, but one flesh," as Jesus pointed out. (Matthew 19:6) So they must limit their sexual interests to each other. (Proverbs 5:15-21; Hebrews 13:4)  They can do this if they show unselfish concern for each other's needs.  (1 Corinthians  7:3-5) Noteworthy is the reminder: "No man ever hated his own flesh; but he feeds and cherishes it." Husbands need to love their wives as they do themselves, remembering that they are accountable to their own head, Jesus Christ. -Ephesians 5:29; 1 Corinthians 11:3.

The apostle Paul spoke of the 'tender affection that Christ Jesus has.' (Philippians 1:8) Jesus' tenderness was a refreshing quality, on that was appealing to women who became his disciples. (John 20:1,11-13, 16) And wives yearn for tender affection from their husbands.  



Next time: AN EXAMPLE FOR WIVES

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006