Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the Lord.

Psalm 128:4

Psalm 128 tells us that a man who fears the Lord and walks in His ways will be blessed! The best way that a man can love his wife is to walk in relationship with Jesus Christ. It changes their marriage, their family, and their world.

This Psalm continues with the admonishment that you shall eat the labor of your hand (Psalm 128:2). A Godly man works at a job to provide for his family. He is honored and well respected (Proverbs 31:23). First Timothy 5:8 even goes so far as to say that a man who does not care for his relatives – especially those in his own home – denies the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. His lack of empathy and enterprise deny the faith that he professes.

As he and his family enjoy the fruits of his labor, Psalm 128:2 declares that he “shall?be happy.” A Godly man demonstrates a pleasant attitude. Others enjoy his presence and conversation. A harsh word or an angry demeanor do not denote machismo (Colossians 3:19). A Godly man has no desire to intimidate or dominate. He leads by example and practices wisdom and self-control.

Paul encouraged men to love their wives just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25). He laid down His own desires, sacrificed all that He had for her sake. This is the example that a Godly man emulates. He seeks to compliment, not complain. He seeks to help, not hurt.

A few verses later, Paul reminds husbands to love their wives as they love their own bodies, as a very part of themselves (Ephesians 5:28). A healthy person does not mistreat his own body, but he nourishes, protects, and cares for it. A Godly man will do the same for his wife. He seeks to nurture, not neglect. He seeks to assist, not abandon.

In such a loving relationship, wives thrive and families flourish. The holy vertical relationship with our heavenly Father impacts all of our horizontal relationships, too. Husbands, love Jesus. Wives, love Jesus. And when you do, “it?shall?be well with you” (Psalm 128:2).

Blessings

Christ Jesus, thank You for giving us an example of complete love and devotion. I ask for Your help as I try to follow in Your footsteps. In the places where I am selfish, please forgive me. In the places where I am weak, give me strength to treat everyone with patience, kindness, and love. In Your name… Amen.?

Today's Bible Reading:

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