JESUS' LIFE-A PERFECT MODEL FOR HUSBANDS

Jesus sought to refresh others and lighten their load. Jesus promised all who were oppressed and weighed down by person problems:  "Come to me,  . . .and I will refresh you. (Matthew 11:28, 29) He often alleviated their  physical suffering and provided refreshing spiritual help. No wonder many felt drawn to  Jesus, convinced that he would lighten their load! 

HOW HUSBANDS CAN IMITATE JESUS. Look for ways to lighten your wife's load. Some wives feel as did Rosa, who lamented:  "I was nothing more than my husband's maid-servant."  In contrast, a man named Kweku, who has a good marriage says:  "I often ask my wife how I can share the load. Because I love her, I often take the initiative to help; her with household chores." 

JESUS WAS CONSIDERATE AND SYMPATHETIC. For 12 years, a poor woman had suffered from a grievous health problem. On hearing about Jesus' miraculous power, "she kept saying: 'If I just touch his outer garments, I will get well.' " She was right. She approached Jesus, touched the fringes of his garment, and was cured at once.  Though some observers  likely concluded that this woman acted presumptuously, Jesus perceived that she was desperate."  He kindly told her"Daughter, . . .be healed from your grievous sickness."  Not only  did he avoid embarrassing or rebuking her but he acknowledged her illness. He thus showed what kind of man he was-a man of empathy. -Mark 5:25-34. 

How husbands can imitate Jesus. When you wife does not feel well, show her extra consideration and be patient. Try to relate to her and understand her reactions. Ricardo, for example, explains, "When I notice that  my wife is extra sensitive, I make a special effort to avoid saying things that could make her feel worse." 

Jesus communicated with his disciples.  Jesus talked extensively to his friends. "I have made known to you all the things I have heard from my Father," he said. (John 15:15) It is true that Jesus sometimes wanted to be alone with his thoughts and to pray.  But he often shared his innermost feelings with his disciples. The night before he was put to death as a condemned criminal , he frankly told them that he was "deeply grieved."  (Matthew 26:38) Even when their actions disappointed him, Jesus never stopped talking to his friends. -Matthew 26:40, 41. 

How husbands can imitate Jesus. Communicate -from your mind and heart-with your wife. A woman may complain that her husband seems to have no trouble speaking  in public but keeps silent at home. On the other hand, note how Ana feels when her husband opens up to  her.  "I sense that he really loves me, " she says,  "and I feel close to him. " 

Refuse to use silence as weapon to punish your wife.  "When my husband was upset with me," says one woman, "he refused to talk to me for days.  He made me feel guilty and despised." Edwin, however, tries to imitate Jesus' example.  "When I get annoyed, I don't respond right away, but i look for the right moment for us to talk things out."

Joy, quoted at the outset, has seen changes in her husband since he began studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses. Joy relates:  "He has improved and is trying hard to be a more loving husband in imitation of Jesus."  Millions of married couples are benefiting from the same Bible instruction .  Would  you like to join them?  You can ask  one of Jehovah's Witnesses for a free Bible study. 

Next time: AS used in the Bible, what does the term "eunuch" mean? 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015