The Power of Respect

Respect in marriage is like oxygen - when it's present, everything thrives, but when it's absent, the relationship suffocates. Men especially need to feel respected and believed in by their wives. This doesn't mean agreeing with everything your husband does, but rather affirming his efforts, acknowledging his contributions, and expressing confidence in his abilities. When a wife consistently shows disrespect through criticism, eye-rolling, or dismissive comments, her husband will likely withdraw emotionally and give only the minimum effort required to survive the relationship. However, when she chooses to honor him with her words and attitudes, something powerful happens. He feels empowered to step up, take responsibility, and love more deeply. Respect is a choice, not a feeling. Even when your spouse makes mistakes or falls short, you can still respect their position, their efforts, and their potential. This creates an upward spiral where respect breeds love, and love breeds more respect.
'Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.' - Ephesians 5:22-23