Marriage is a refining relationship, My husband and I are in our 44th year of marriage. We have had low points and high points. A number of years ago we read the book, Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs, with our small group.
The book gave me pause. I understood the importance of love in a marriage, but respect? The dictionary defines respect: to consider worthy of high regard: esteem.
When we had disagreements did I still demonstrate respect? It was helpful to consider this as it encouraged me to see things from my husband’s point of view, respecting his knowledge and experience. Trusting him. He once said to me, “Please trust me.”
There are learning curves in marriage. Both love and respect are important ingredients in a healthy growing marriage.
God designed marriage and family as the foundational social unit.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth. Genesis 1: 27-28
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2: 24
This post is linked with the Five Minute Friday writing community. Today’s prompt is: RESPECT
Carol, what a beautiful post! Thank you for the reminder to trust our spouse and honor them with high regard.
I agree, respect is underrated in marriage. I pray I am able to take this to heart and respect my husband more in the coming days and years. We are at 20 years, and it feels like we’ve been through a lot. I can’t imagine all you’ve seen in 44. God bless you.
I know that you don’t trust me;
that confidence is shot.
I cannot ask for dignity;
respect cannot be bought.
I know I did it all so wrong,
I know I failed so fast;
I know now I cannot belong
to certitude that lasts.
But now, I ask your judgement
on the things I do,
that they become the firmament
of a life brought new,
and I pray you can forgive
the awfulness I chose to live.
As a single 41 year old, I yearn for my Mr. Right. But I also am in no hurry as I want a relationship filled with respect. Quality instead of quantity. I’m over in the #20 spot.
Thanks for visiting, Tara. Blessings as you trust God with this yearning.
oh, it’s so hard sometimes isn’t it? To learn to highly esteem your life partner. We show it in the trust we give and the way to speak don’t we? Visiting from FMF19