The Truth About Honor & Love

MD: Lauren, the Bible instructs a woman to honor her husband, yet it instructs a man to love his wife. In your opinion, what does it mean to honor your husband?

LT: That’s such a good question! No, really, that’s a million dollar question! I think that answer varies in every marriage. Specifically, in our marriage, I have found that I can make or break my husband through my words. [Chris], wouldn’t you say that?
CT: Yes, definitely.
LT: That’s probably my greatest strength, and my greatest weakness. In our first couple months of marriage, I was like, “Where did he go?” Well, he was in his office. My approach wasn’t working. So, I quickly learned. God basically said to me, “Shut your mouth. Follow Me, and I’ll show you what to say and how to say it.” I learned very quickly how to use my words. I learned how I could win my husband with my words, versus crippling him. It’s not being “manipulative” by any means. It’s just honoring him with the words that I choose.

MD: And, Chris, in your opinion, what does it mean when the Bible says, “Love your wife”?

CT: There’s one word that I’ve been trying to apply in my marriage, and that word is “recognize.” I think that’s the key for guys in any marriage – and the key for any leader. The way a man loves his wife is to recognize her ... with your eyes open, your mind open, and your heart open. A part of loving your wife is recognizing when there are needs, and when you’re not meeting them – to recognize when something needs to be said – to recognize when you need to say you’re sorry – to recognize when you’re not pulling your weight as a dad – to recognize that, no, you don’t need to go play golf right now – to recognize when you need to go on a date with your wife – to recognize when you’re not cherishing your wife like you should. Recognition is a part of great love.

MD: That could be a poem! That was really, really good.