"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify it with the washing of water by the word" (Ephesians 5:25, 26).
The love of Jesus is the life foundation of husbands and wives. The ways in which a couple interact with one another can make or break a relationship. Because of the responsibilities and time commitments many pastors have, their wives may suffer the consequences. Ask any pastor if he loves his wife and he will assuredly answer yes. Ask the same pastor if he shows his wife how much she is loved and there may be some hesitation on his part when answering the question.
Many of today's pastors' wives are feeling restless, confused, and discouraged. They feel they must bottle up their emotions and refrain from telling their husbands about their troubles, thoughts, and feelings. Because pastors are so burdened with the church's problems, some wives feel timid about saying anything that may make their husbands more stressed.
Unfortunately, many pastors are so wrapped up in their churches, they give little time and emotion to their wives. They have a role for their wives and they expect them to strictly adhere to that role, regardless of the wives' feelings. It is so easy to take out frustrations on the spouse.
But is that what Jesus expects from pastors? No. Ephesians 5:25 tells husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. There is no better example of love.
Dear Pastors, live in dependence upon Jesus and His promises and share your convictions with your wives. If you do this, your wives will honor and admire you. A woman must feel respect for the man she loves. Respect turns into admiration and admiration into a deeper love. Take care to listen to your wives, cherish their words, and treat them like Christ treats the church.
Pastors, love your wives, for they in turn will reverence you.
