Understanding roles in marriage solves a large portion of the problems. This role-play is not merely to provide a practical working relationship, it is to be a visible reminder of our relationship with Christ for one another and those that observe us.

1) A Christian husband is called on to lovingly lead His wife with understanding
A husband’s two main responsibilities are love and leadership.

3) His responsibility to lead is seen in (Ephesians 5:23; I Cor 11:3)
This is to be leadership spiritually, emotionally and mentally. Christian leadership is always the leadership of a servant.

Leadership is seen by

• Making decisions.
• Teaching
• Being the example.

4) His responsibility to love is seen in Ephesians 5:25, 28, 33.
Sacrificial love is seen in

• Communicating love to her verbally. Also praise her and show gratitude.
• Providing for her needs (I Tim 5:8)
• Protecting her – from harm as well as from taking on too much.
• Seeking to understand her, Let her understand you by sharing yourself with her – ‘dwell together’ (I Peter 3:7)
• Assisting her in her chores and duties where you can.
• Sacrificing your own preferences, wishes, aims, personal time, hobbies for the good of your wife.
• Not comparing her unfavourably with other women, letting her know she has first place in your life.

Understanding (1 Pet 3:7) includes:

• Studying his wife
• Communicating with her regularly to understand her needs, struggles, challenges, insecurities
• Communicating patience and gentleness as she grows.
• Whether or not she is actually the weaker vessel, treating her chivalrously, as if she is.