There are really only two problems in most marriages. One is the husband. The other is the wife. If these two problems are kept under control, then a marriage can be successful. Therefore, at least one half of the marital problems could be solved if men would live up to their Christian responsibilities. What are the duties of a Christian husband?
First, he must be understanding and considerate of his wife. Husbands are often not very understanding. Wives often complain that their husbands do not talk to them. Husbands should be more understanding on this point.
Writer Ardis Whitman told the story about when in one of his father’s little country pastorates a farmer’s wife died. She was a fine, good woman who raised her children and afterward had struggled on alone for a few years with a silent, gnarled man who was her husband. She simply collapsed dead one day over the washtub. At the funeral her husband did not weep and made no sign of grief as he plodded to the grave. But he had a small, shabby book in his hand and handed it to the preacher. “It’s poems,” he said humbly. “She liked them. Would you read one for her now? She always wanted us to read them together. But I never had time. Every day on the farm there were always things to do. But I got to thinking that nobody’s doing them today, and it doesn’t seem to matter. I guess you don’t get into your head what time is for until it is too late.” Husbands, be considerate of your wives. Take time to talk to them.
Second, a Christian husband should be courteous and respectful to his wife. It’s a strange thing, but we often treat our most casual friends with more courtesy than we do our nearest and dearest. Courtesy makes all of life run more smoothly.
Hearts like doors, can open with ease,
To very, very little keys.
And don’t forget that they are these:
“Thank you, sir” and “If you please.”
Evangelist Billy Sunday said, “If you want your wife to be like an angel—don’t treat her like the devil.” Husbands, be understanding, considerate, courteous, and respectful to your wife and your marriage will be happier.