UNLEASHING THE K.I.S.S. MARRIAGE – My Husband Speaks Frankly about Honor
Posted: June 7, 2014
Conflict and crudeness seems to be the order of the day in our present throwaway generation. Just spend some time watching sitcoms and real life T.V., and it will quickly become evident that the concept of “Honor” appears to be a quaint notion from somewhere in the past. Yet I would submit that “Honor” is a widely taught subject of the Holy Scriptures. A simple definition of the word is “a value or appreciation, esteem, favorable, regard, respect.”
A better understanding of the word may help if we take a look at its counterpart: “dishonored”, which in its strongest form means to “treat shamefully and even humiliated.”
Beginning with God, we are taught to “Honor” a wide range of individuals including authorities, civil, social and church leaders, and parents. In addition, “Honor” is an essential ingredient in the home to bring about harmony and free couples to be all that God has designed them to be. In this context the apostle Paul specifically states that wives are to be given honor (1 Peter 3:7). By the same token we read, “Let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband (Eph 5:33 AMP). Honor can be displayed in various ways including word, action and thought:
1. Words of recognition and praise have such power to lift one’s spouse above the grind of ordinary life.
2. The exercise of good listening skills even when discussing difficult subjects, allows a couple to come to a “win-win” situation rather than one of the partners coming away bruised and battered emotionally.
3. Affirming each other’s unique gift and helping each other to fulfill their passions and purpose.
4. Speaking well of each other in public.
5. For men particularly common courtesy such as opening doors, pulling out chairs in the restaurant before she is seated, as well as protecting your wife from rude people is very much in order.
While the list of the ways we “honor one another” goes well beyond the scope of this blog, one ought to note the importance of encouraging one another to follow the gift and calling of God on one’s life.
Aside from words and actions, all true Honor originates in the heart that fears God. The blessing of God flows to couples who Honor God first, then that Honor flows out towards each other.
