“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25
The Foundation of Love
When we think about putting our wives first, it all begins with love. As Christ loved the church, we are called to extend that same love towards our wives. This love is selfless, unwavering, and it seeks the best for our partners. We must remember that love is not just a feeling; it is an action. It compels us to serve and care for our wives in tangible ways. By prioritizing love in our marriages, we create a strong foundation that allows us to nurture and grow together in faith. In doing so, we honor God’s design for our relationships and reflect His love to the world.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25
1 Peter 3:7
“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” – 1 Peter 3:7
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” – Colossians 3:19
Song of Solomon 8:6
“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like a blazing fire, like a mighty flame.” – Song of Solomon 8:6
Proverbs 31:10
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” – Proverbs 31:10
Mutual Respect
Respect is another integral component of any healthy relationship, especially when we focus on putting our wives first. By showing respect to our wives, we create a safe environment in which both partners can thrive. Respecting our wife means honoring her thoughts, feelings, and opinions. As we prioritize mutual respect, we build trust and understanding between us. A marriage flourishing in respect becomes a witness to the love of Christ, as it reflects the principles of harmony and support that He intends for us to follow.
Ephesians 5:33
“However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” – Ephesians 5:33
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” – Proverbs 18:22
1 Corinthians 7:3
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.” – 1 Corinthians 7:3
1 Timothy 5:8
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” – 1 Timothy 5:8
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Communication is Key
Effective communication is another vital part of putting our wives first. By engaging in open and honest dialogue, we can address concerns, share joys, and nurture our connection. Communication fosters intimacy and allows us to express our love in meaningful ways. We should also listen actively, ensuring our wives feel heard and valued. In cultivating a mindset focused on communication, we are better equipped to serve our wives with love and support. Our conversations can then reflect the unity of purpose and affection that God desires in our marriages.
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
Proverbs 25:11
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.” – Proverbs 25:11
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29
Serving One Another
As we grow in our marriage, we must embrace the idea of serving one another. Serving our wives means putting their needs above our own and being willing to sacrifice for their happiness. When we serve our wives, we create an atmosphere of love and commitment that encourages them to thrive. We must also remember that our actions speak louder than our words. By demonstrating our devotion through service, we glorify God and fulfill our calling as husbands devoted to putting our wives first.
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Matthew 20:26
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” – Matthew 20:26
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” – Acts 20:35
Fostering Unity
Unity in marriage is essential for putting our wives first. When we act as a team, we create a strong partnership that thrives on shared goals and mutual affection. By placing our wives’ needs and desires alongside our own, we cultivate a harmonious atmosphere. In doing this, we recognize that we are stronger together than alone. Unity allows us to face challenges hand-in-hand, encouraging one another and building each other up in faith. By cultivating unity, we truly embody the spirit of partnership as God intended for us in marriage.
Ecclesiastes 4:9
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:” – Ecclesiastes 4:9
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Philippians 1:27
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.” – Philippians 1:27
Romans 15:5
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.” – Romans 15:5
Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3
Celebrating Each Other
Lastly, celebrating our wives is vital to putting them first. Acknowledging their achievements, appreciating their efforts, and showing gratitude for their presence in our lives reinforces our commitments. We can remind ourselves and our wives of how special they are and the love that binds us together. Celebrating each other fosters happiness and intimacy, and encourages us to grow together as partners in Christ. Let us always remember to find joy in one another and strengthen our bonds through celebration.
Ecclesiastes 3:13
“That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” – Ecclesiastes 3:13
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on putting our wives first, it’s clear that love, respect, and communication are foundational. By serving each other and fostering unity, we create a nurturing environment that honors God and strengthens our relationships. Celebrating one another allows us to express affection and gratitude actively. It’s about building a life together rooted in faith and love.
We can always strive to improve our marriages, constantly learning to put each other first. Let’s embrace these Biblical principles to guide us in our journey through life, walking hand in hand with our wives.
For those of us looking for further guidance about our marriages, consider exploring more on future wives or the importance of fruitfulness in marriage.