Men need to learn the five ways to be a successful husband to their wives.

1 – Intimacy

The deepest craving of a wife is intimacy with her husband. What do we mean by intimacy? It is not just a sexual thing. It is opening up and sharing. It is dwelling together in the same house like the way the Holy Spirit dwells within the believer. We need to verbally communicate and share our emotions. There is to be a spiritual intimacy where they pray together and encourage one another. It is not something that comes naturally for a man.

2 – Understanding

Most men do not have good understanding of their wives needs. Men and woman are different and they are equal. God made each this way. For example:-

• Man is the initiator and woman the responder. The man is to lead in the home.
• Men tend to think rationally and women will think more emotionally.
• Men tend to be work orientated and women home orientated. If you fix something in the house you will please your wife!
• Men are often silent thinkers and women talkers.
• Men look for success while the woman looks for security.

3 – Honour

We are to mark her off as having great value. Your wife should be given honour by seeing her as treasure. The wife looks after so much in the home that she deserves the honour of her husband to build her self-esteem.

• Put her on a pedestal.
• Let the children know.
• Praise her before her friends.
• Look into her eyes.
• Praise her for her character.

4 – Share Fully

Share freely with her. The best way to do this is to pray together. You wife is to be your best friend. Your friendship is to never stop. Love requires us to do things. It is difficult for the man to do this.

5 – Deal Gently

The woman is weaker than the man. She is not inferior. It is like the difference between a teacup and a sledgehammer. The sledgehammer may be good for driving in nails but it is no good for drinking tea. The sledgehammer is not more valuable than a china teacup. You are tender when you feel with your wife.

Categories: 1 Peter