It’s All about Respect in Marriage

Posted by Genna Cockerham Jun 3, 2009

In writing about marriage, I often come back to one underlying principle that seems to fit every scenario: Be respectful to your wife or your husband. Oftentimes, showing respect simply means treating a spouse as well as you would treat a stranger or a coworker.

Eggerichs’ Take on Love and Respect

One thing I love about Emerson Eggerichs’ book, Love and Respect: The Love She Most Desires, the Respect He Most Desperately Needs (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2004) is the basic assumption that both spouses are good-willed people. He really isn’t leaving clothes on the floor to make you crazy. She really isn’t picking a fight by following you around trying to talk to you.

In trying to share some of Eggerichs’ wisdom with others, I wrote Ephesians 5:33 is a Blueprint for Marriage. It is especially applicable to Christian homes, but I feel there are definitely tips to help everyone have a more successful marriage.

Jaynes’ Take on Being a Respectful Wife

Author Sharon Jaynes writes primarily to Christian women who are seeking a better marriage and deeper friendship with their husbands. In her book, Becoming the Woman of His Dreams: Seven Qualities Every Man Longs For (Harvest House, 2005), Jaynes tells women respect is one of the key things men want with all their hearts. The Woman of His Dreams is a Respectful Wife explains Jaynes’ take on respect in marriage. How to Show Respect for a Husband gives practical tips to make respect part of everyday life.

How a Husband Shows Respect for a Wife

Although Eggerichs says a husband who is loving his wife properly incorporates respect in their marriage, it is easy for common courtesies to go by the wayside. Too often wives treat their husbands like extra children because husbands overlook basic manners and thoughtfulness. How to Show Respect for a Wife breaks down respect into appreciation, consideration and support.