MONDAY January 13, 2025

Are You a Bitter Husband?

Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.
Colossians 3:19

This is the only place in the Bible where we find an exhortation aimed at husbands not to be bitter toward their wives. It seems husbands have a tendency to become bitter toward them. The word bitter means “to be embittered, exasperated or irritated.” When you become bitter toward your wife, it usually means you do not love her anymore. Know this: You are headed for big problems in your marriage.

The solution to bitterness is to give your bitterness to the Lord and obediently love your wife as God commanded. Love in the Greek language implies “keep on loving,”––not just once in a while, but always love her. How do you keep loving your wife over the years? Follow Jesus’ example! As the Bridegroom, Christ loved the Church––the Bride––the body of believers. He willingly gave His life for her (Ephesians 5:25). Love your wife like Christ loved the Church!

A wife knows whether she is loved or not. It becomes obvious to her because she sees your actions. If you treat her coldly, she suffers in a loveless marriage. Husbands, you made a vow before God to love your wife and care for her. She is your partner, friend and lover for life.

As your wife’s protector, do not let the devil destroy your marriage. Guard your relationship. If she feels unloved, I guarantee, somebody else is going to come into the picture. That is how adultery begins. Perhaps somebody in the office notices her sadness and begins talking with her––showing her the care and compassion she is not getting from you. He treats her better. Before you know it, she is having an affair, and she is gone! Sin can come in like a flood, and destroy your marriage.

As a husband, if you are no longer in love with your wife, you need to fall in love with her again. Rekindle and renew the love you once had for your wife. Repent for neglecting your wife’s emotional needs. Let her know you are sorry for the way you have treated her. Pray with her; love her.

A good marriage is not “made in heaven,” but on earth. Love is a fragile commodity which needs to be cultivated and nourished constantly.
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!