However, let each man of you [without exception] love his wife as [being in a sense] his very own self; and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly].     -- Ephesians 5:33, AMPC                                                                                                                                                  -

Our husbands, who are gifts from the LORD, need us to respect and admire them. They really do want to be our heroes on earth! 

They want to be (to use a worldy term) "trophy husbands." 

I have had to learn that, although my husband is very senstive (now, after 15 years of marriage) and thoughful, compared to other men, perhaps, that he still is not me. This means he doesn't always think like me, although we are much more connected now and often have the same thought about something. 

That is because we are both filled with the Spirit, read and meditate on the Word daily, and pray daily. We also attend the same church, where we serve, and we are quick to recognize and repent of sin--to each other as needed, or privately between ourselves and the LORD, as He shows us things to change. 

Still, my beloved likes to be celebrated. I used to think it was just vanity and pride. But then I realized it is a Biblical command! 

Actually, my dear husband is a wonderful man and it is easy for me to praise and admire him. The LORD has helped me forgive and understand and more deeply appreciate him, for all of his excellent ways. 

Another way I have learned to truly see my husband as the trophy that he is --and this is in the Biblical sense of 2 Corinthians 2:14: "But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere."

I call him "My Ephesians 3:20 husband," and the more I do, the more he is.  

As Mark 11:23,24 says, (to paraphrase), we get what we say and believe! 

So ask the LORD to help you find new things to brag on to your trophy husband today! 

Through books, courses, presentations, service, prayer, worship, and more, Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. Her series for girls, P.O.W.E.R. GIRL ADVENTURES, is now out (books I-V), along with LEGACY; YOUR HOLY HEALTH: VISIONS OF THE KING, and more. See the "River Rain Creative" YT channel.