Ephesians 5:28-29 (NKJV) So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.
How do husbands ensure that their wives are well nourished? They prioritise their wives’ needs above their own. One of their wives’ needs are their emotional needs. Husbands ought to ensure that their wives’ emotional reservoirs are constantly filled through the love language, where they feel loved.
The five love languages are acts of kindness, affirmation, quality time, gifts, and touch.
Acts of kindness can include helping with household chores, picking her up from work, sending her for a facial, and coaching the kids on their homework.
Affirmation is a powerful way to build her up with words, praising her work, achievements, beauty, and how she has grown spiritually by being more considerate, helpful, kind, and generous. Husbands should validate their wives’ feelings and not dismiss their concerns, tell them they are God’s masterpieces with spiritual and administrative gifts, encourage them to pursue their gifts, and pray with them and bless them.
Quality time could include going on a date without the children, going on a cruise, watching a film, having a chat to find out how her day was, spending time with her doing what she enjoys.
Gifts for wives can be given anytime, not only on special occasions. Find out what their favourite flowers, colours, foods, and cosmetic brands are.
Husbands can make physical contact by hugging them or holding their hands. They should also initiate sexual relationships and show affection to them, regardless of age.
Furthermore, husbands should ensure that they and their wives have a joint bank account where they deposit all their money. This is especially important when they view marriage as a covenant, where they promise to stay together in good and bad times, in sickness and health, until death do they part. It is a strong signal that they are one flesh and will face everything in life together. It builds trust when they do not hide their assets and financial status by maintaining a joint account.
When making major purchases or investments, the couple should discuss and agree on the way forward. Another crucial step for the husband is to support his wife when there are conflicts with her in-laws. He should speak up and stand by her when the situation calls for it. If possible, it is better not to reside in the same house as in-laws, as this provides the couple with time and space to build their marriage without external interference.
We must prevent trust from eroding in marriage. Therefore, it is important to be candid and transparent, honour commitments, be compassionate and attentive, and, above all else, practise Agape love. This will ensure a blessed wife, a blessed life, and a happy family.
Sermon Series：Blessed Wives, Blessed Lives
蒙福的妻子，蒙福的人生
以弗所书 5:28-29 丈夫也当照样爱妻子，如同爱自己的身子，爱妻子便是爱自己了。 从来没有人恨恶自己的身子，总是保养顾惜，正像基督待教会一样，
丈夫如何确保妻子得到充足的滋养？他们将妻子的需求置于自身之上。妻子其中一方面的需求是情感上的需要。丈夫应当通过爱的语言（love language），使妻子的情感储备时常满溢，让她们感受到被爱。
爱的五种语言是：关怀的行动、肯定的言语、专注的陪伴、爱的礼物，以及亲密的触摸。
关怀的行动可以包括帮忙做家务、接她下班、送她去做美容护理，或者辅导孩子的功课。
肯定的言语是借着话语建立妻子的一种有力方式，可以赞美她的工作、成就、美丽，以及她在属灵生命中成长所展现出的体贴、乐于助人、仁慈和慷慨。丈夫应当肯定妻子的感受，而不是忽视她们的担忧；要告诉她们，她们是神的杰作，领受了属灵的恩赐和治理的恩赐；并鼓励她们去追求这些恩赐，与她们一同祷告，并为她们祝福。
高质量的陪伴可以包括在没有孩子的情况下约会、一起去邮轮旅行、看一场电影、彼此交谈关心她一天的情况，或是花时间陪伴她做她喜欢的事情。
送给妻子的礼物可以在任何时候表达，而不仅仅是特别的日子。要留心了解她最喜欢的花、颜色、食物，以及化妆品的品牌。
丈夫可以通过拥抱或牵手来与妻子建立身体上的亲密接触。他们也应当主动表达夫妻间的亲密关系，并向妻子表达爱意，不论年龄大小。
此外，丈夫应当确保自己和妻子有一个共同的银行账户，把所有的钱都存入其中。这一点尤为重要，因为他们把婚姻看作是一个立约──彼此承诺无论顺境逆境、健康或疾病，都要相守，直到离世。这是一个有力的表明：他们已经成为一体，要一同面对生命中的一切。当他们在财务上彼此透明，不隐瞒资产与经济状况，而是共同使用一个账户时，就能建立起彼此的信任。
在进行重大采购或投资时，夫妻应当彼此商量，并就未来的方向达成一致。丈夫的另一个关键职责是，在妻子与公婆发生冲突时给予支持。当情况需要时，他应当为妻子发声并站在她一边。如果可能的话，最好不要与公婆同住，这样可以为夫妻提供时间和空间，在没有外界干扰的情况下建立稳固的婚姻。
我们必须防止婚姻中的信任被侵蚀。因此，坦诚透明、信守承诺、充满同理心与细心关怀，并最重要的，实践神圣的Agape爱，都是至关重要的。这样才能确保妻子蒙福、生活蒙福、家庭幸福美满。
讲章系列：蒙福的妻子，蒙福的人生
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