However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. (Ephesians 5:33)

 

Love and respect are big words in relationships. Imagine a marriage where both are absent. What kind of marriage would that be?

If your marriage stands on both, then this may be hard to picture. But most of us have experienced a relationship that wasn’t built on the right foundations.

Maybe we dated someone who we found extremely attractive, only to learn that they felt the same way—about themselves.

Or maybe you dated someone who was brilliant, but you couldn’t respect their stances on important issues.

Or perhaps you found someone who you really liked, but you didn’t love.

Relationships that lack love and respect are like balloons. They look solid at first glance, but the inside is hollow (or full of hot air).

And without anything solid inside, there is nothing to ground it. Before long, those balloon relationships float away and are lost.

The right foundations of Love & Respect

If your marriage was built on the strong foundations of love and respect, then rejoice in your beautiful union. But never be complacent.

If you love your wife, let her know each day. With a kiss, a helping hand, or a kind word.

If you respect your husband, remind him every day. Thank him for his hard work, kiss him like he’s your everything, and support him.

God created marriage as a gift. Treat it with the same attention and care you would any other valuable gift.

Valentine’s Day can convince us that we need grand gestures, expensive gifts, and lavish dinners to celebrate our relationships. While those things are nice (very nice), they aren’t everything.

The love and respect that ground your marriage will make you feel valued, adored, and satisfied long after everything else has faded away.

 

Interested in other posts on marriage and encouragement? Try these:

How to Love Your Marriage Right Where It’s At

What is Love?

20 Small Things that Make a Big Difference in Your Marriage