Having respect for others is important. We build relationships on honoring others. Our friendships need mutual respect to survive. Men especially expect to have respect from others. When we feel disrespected, we become hostile to the other person. Showing respect to us makes us feel important and authoritative.
Why is it so important for men to feel respected in marriage? Men are called by God to be the leader of their household. Ephesians 5:23 “For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.”
As men, we are responsible for managing our children as well. 1 Timothy 3:4 “He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive.”
It is hard to be the leader of a family if we do not have respect shown to us. We see respect as our motivation to carry out our duties as men.
One of the best ways to show respect is to honor authority over yourself even though you may not agree with it. Reinforcing the head of the home will empower this person to lead.
How do we have respect for others Biblically?
In a marriage situation, husbands and wives are to respect and love one another. Each spouse plays a different role in making the marriage whole. Let's take a look at a few verses about the roles men and women play in a marriage.
1 Timothy 2:11-15 “Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.”
This verse in Timothy tells us that a woman is supposed to be submissive to her husband. It does not mean she is to be her husband's slave or maid. The verse does, however, show us that a woman is supposed to support her husband by submitting to his authority in the family structure. It is a man's job to lead his family, to be the head of the household. I understand that divorce and death break the role structure. What I want to point out is the role of each spouse in a relationship.
How should a husband treat their wife?
1 Peter 3:7 “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
It is also the role of the husband to honor their wife. Husbands and wives should have mutual respect for each other in a healthy marriage. Men are designed by God to be leaders in their household. Women and children should show respect to the head of the family to in turn show respect to God.
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