Christian Marriage Help: How Do You Respect Your Husband When He Does Things You Don't Respect?

Are you looking for Christian marriage help to understand the biblical teaching to respect your husband (Ephesians 5:33)? Here are some questions behind the question: How do you respect your husband when he does things you don't respect?

• How do you show respect to a husband who is doing things that are unacceptable, wrong, or harmful?
• Does it mean you have to tolerate everything?
• Is your respect the same as giving your approval?
• Can you still set a boundary if it doesn't feel respectful or loving to your spouse?

Listen to this woman's dilemma: "My husband says I didn't respect him in our marriage and as a result, he had affairs. He doesn't seem to understand that I lost respect for him because of the harsh way he treated me, his irresponsible choices, and his blaming me for all the problems."

What is healthy respect for a husband?

• Respect honors his position as the head of the house regardless of what he does.
• Respect is given for his willingness to lead and protect even if he doesn't do it perfectly.
• Respect is earned for his godly actions and disrespect is earned for his ungodly actions.
• Respect does not mean you cannot speak the truth about yourself or his actions.
• Respect doesn't prevent you from setting a boundary or saying no.
• Respect doesn't mean you ignore sin or approve mistreatment.

You give your husband the right to be human and make mistakes as he tries to be the head of the house. Respect is how you honor that attempt and offer your support in the process. It doesn't mean you have to tolerate anything and everything and it doesn't take away your right to be a person. And don't forget, 1 First Peter 3:7 also tells husbands to respect their wives. So how does this Christian marriage help suggest you respect your husband when he does things you don't respect? Very carefully by supporting his position as leader and respectfully saying no and setting boundaries around the things that are not deserving of respect.