Creating an Atmosphere of Respect

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. 1 Peter 3:7

When the word intimacy is mentioned, many husbands immediately think of sex. But sex cannot be separated from intellectual and emotional intimacy. The failure to recognize this reality leads to marital frustration.

If a woman does not feel free to express her ideas, or if she feels that her husband does not respect her ideas and will tell her they’re foolish if she shares them, then she may have little interest in being sexually intimate with him. Her feelings of condemnation and rejection make it difficult for her to be sexually responsive.

If a wife does not feel loved by her husband, again the emotional distance stands as a barrier to sexual intimacy. A husband who ignores these realities will be frustrated at his wife’s lack of interest in sex. The problem is not her lack of interest. Rather, it is the emotional barriers that exist between the two of them.

The apostle Peter encouraged men to honor their wives and treat them with understanding and consideration. Men should do this first and foremost because God commanded it, but the truth is that it benefits them as well. The wise husband will seek to create a climate where his wife feels accepted and loved as a person. In doing so, he opens the door to sexual intimacy.

PRAYER
Lord, I know that you always want us to treat each other with honor, respect, and love. When we do this, our relationship runs more smoothly—and it honors you. Help me to grow in this.