A key principle in marriage has been overlooked in all the recent talk about equality and rights. For most women, to be loved unconditionally is the very air they breathe. To put performance parameters upon them before you love them is the equivalent of stepping on their air hose and slowly choking them to death. That is why the Apostle strongly reminds the men to "love their wives as Christ loved the church." UNconditinally!

Ladies, if you are reading this, please remember that respect is the air your husband (most men) breathes. To offer unwanted criticism or "advice" is to undermine him at the very core of his self-cencept. It is to step on his air hose. After awhile, these "suggestions," as needful as they may be, will be interpreted as a lack of repect and cause the man to retreat into silence. To stonewall you. It used to be called nagging. But, be aware that until the advice is actively sought out by the man, it willnot be received well. It should be...but it won't be! That is wy the Apostle admonished the women to "respect" their husbands.

Men need to love more. Women need to repect more.

So, as we discuss rights, equality, diversity and the like, as necessary as they are, let's not forget that most women need to know that they are loved and most men need the assurance that they are respected. Especially by those they love!

 

- Geoff Gorsuch, Saturday, June 18, 2005.