Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does the Bible say about a husband mistreating his wife?

Colossians 3:19: "Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly." 

Common Mistake to Avoid: Using harsh or unkind words or actions towards one's wife. Instead, husbands should treat their wives with kindness and respect. 1 Peter 3:7: "In the same way, you husbands must give honour to your wives."

As husbands, we must love and cherish our wives, treating them with respect and kindness. Remember, God hates abuse and will not tolerate it.

The husband must treat his wife as his own body. He nourishes and cherishes her as he does his own body. The husband must not abuse, neglect, or take his wife for granted. He nourishes and cherishes her.

Ephesians 5:25-33 ESV: "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it; 26 that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, 27 that he might present the church to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 Even so ought husbands also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his own wife loveth himself: 29 for no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as Christ also the church; 30 because we are members of his body. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This mystery is great: but I speak in regard of Christ and of the church. 33 Nevertheless do ye also severally love each one his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she fear her husband."

Husbands, how can you imitate Jesus in showing self-sacrificing love? Jesus loved his followers so much that he died for them. A Christian husband imitates the unselfish attitude of Jesus, who "did not please himself." (Romans 15:3) Such a husband willingly puts his wife's needs and interests before his own. He does not rigidly insist on having his own way, but he shows a willingness to yield when there is no Scriptural issue involved. 

The Bible advises husbands: "Continue loving your wives." (Ephesians 5:25) What does that mean? A loving husband treats his wife kindly, both at home and in public. He protects her from harm and does his best to care for her physical and emotional needs. (1 Timothy 5:8) Most importantly, he takes the lead in caring for her spiritual needs. (Matthew 4:4) 

For example, he can pray and read the Bible with his wife. When a husband lovingly cares for his wife, he maintains his friendship with Jehovah.​—Read 1 Peter 3:7.[for your prayers not to be hindered.]

Remembering their vow to love and be faithful to each other will help God-fearing marriage mates work harmoniously together, applying Jehovah's lofty principles to resolve any problems that may arise.

Jesus' example teaches husbands that Christian headship is not a position of harsh domination. Instead, it is one marked by respect and self-sacrificing love.

Although a husband is the head of his wife, the Bible instructs him to 'assign her honour.' (1 Pet. 3:7) One way husbands can honour their wives is by taking into consideration their needs and giving them first choice in some matters.

In a relationship that is characterised by love and respect, there is no room for thoughtless, harsh words. Think of the example that Jesus Christ set in this regard. Jesus never used insulting speech with his disciples. Even on the last night of his life on earth, when his apostles were arguing over who among them was the greatest, the Son of God did not scold them. Luke 22:24-27.

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