Christian Marriage Articles

Is Unconditional Respect Foolish and Impossible While Unconditional Love Is Wise?

He Desires to Be First Among Equals, She Desires to Be First in Importance

He Desires to Be First Among Equals, She Desires to Be First in Importance

A husband has a need to be respected by his wife. That is what Paul teaches in Ephesians 5:33. As well, a wife has a need to be honored (respected) by her husband.

God’s “Secret” Became One Couple’s Miracle

God’s “Secret” Became One Couple’s Miracle

The love and respect connection is real—make no mistake. When I was reading Ephesians 5 one day in 1998, after having studied and taught from this chapter many times in my twenty years of preaching, God revealed this connection to me and it blew me away.

Is Unconditional Respect Foolish and Impossible While Unconditional Love Is Wise?

Is Unconditional Respect Foolish and Impossible While Unconditional Love Is Wise?

People who think culturally, not biblically oftentimes stumble over the idea of unconditional respect.

Why One Husband Struggles With Being the Spiritual Leader

Why One Husband Struggles With Being the Spiritual Leader

"My wife and I have been really struggling with our communication and our relationship; feels like we are two ships sailing in the night, which concerns me. I know I am responsible for what comes out of my mouth, which reveals what is in my heart. I have been trying to take responsibility for that and ask for forgiveness."

Three Reasons Why Your Husband May Not Be “More Open”

Three Reasons Why Your Husband May Not Be “More Open”

“Emerson, my husband is not as open and emotionally available as he should be. As a result, I don’t feel as close to him as I would like, and I even wonder if he trusts me.”

Why One Husband Struggles With Being the Spiritual Leader

Three Reasons Why Your Husband May Not Be “More Open”

When Your “Love and Respect Meters” Appear Broken

When Your “Love and Respect Meters” Appear Broken

I am often asked about “exceptions” to the Love and Respect message. In short, while both husband and wife need love and respect equally, research reveals that during conflict, the felt need of the majority of women is love while the felt need of the majority of men is respect.

Trusting Your Wife's Goodwill

Trusting Your Wife's Goodwill

Goodwill is the intention to do good toward a husband. During conflicts or disagreements, a husband should give his wife the benefit of the doubt. Proverbs 31:11,12 states: The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Am I Responsible for My Spouse’s Reactions?

Am I Responsible for My Spouse’s Reactions?

Have you ever experienced a conflict with your spouse like this one I described in my book Love & Respect? The husband is gone for a week on a business trip. As his plane lands, he starts envisioning a romantic evening with his wife, so he hurries home as quickly as he can.

Are You Manipulating Him or Motivating Him?

Are You Manipulating Him or Motivating Him?

Have you ever gotten the results you wanted but not in the way you wanted them, and as a result you were not as satisfied as you had hoped you’d be at that point? For example, your goal was for your son to clean up his messy room, which he did.