This document provides guidance for husbands on how to love and treat their wives according to biblical principles. It encourages men to understand their wife's needs, value and esteem her as a weaker vessel, love her as Christ loved the church by sacrificing oneself, and ensure one's behavior always reflects genuine love rather than being self-centered in order to have one's prayers answered by God.

1. Men’s Fellowship and Meeting July 18 at 9:00 A.M. on Koinonia Three days from now July 15, 2009 1 Peter 2 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him (excellence; virtue) who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light:

2. 1 Peter 3 7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. Dwell with them according to knowledge Make every effort to understand her needs and desires , seeking God's Wisdom to be able to bless her.

3. A husband is responsible unto God for the way he loves, understands, respects, and treats his wife. Understand and provide her spiritual , emotional , financial , and physical needs . It's not all about you .

4. Ephesians 5 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the Savior [a deliverer] of the body. Head = … (in the sense of seizing ); the head (as the part most readily taken hold of ), … Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary. God holds the man responsible for the welfare of his family; especially his wife.

5. Godly headship manifests itself in loving leadership . Every decision is for the welfare of his family; Nothing is done for himself alone .

6. Colossians 3 19 Husbands, love ( agapao) your wives, and be not bitter against them. It's much more than a feeling. All of our behavior must reflect genuine love. Such love is not centered upon self, but upon the woman you married because you love her .

7. "Be not bitter against them." Anger prolonged becomes bitterness. 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Luke 6 Disappointment clung to becomes bitterness. Resentment soon turns into bitterness.

8. Ephesians 5 25 Husbands, love (agapao) your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; How much should a husband love his wife? As much as Jesus loves the church ; He gave Himself for us . There's no place for, "What about me?" "What do I get out of it?" It's all about her .

9. Text : 1 Peter 3 7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. Honor = Value, esteem, dignity Strong's We will never put down , ridicule , or harshly criticize that which we value. We will never lie to, cheat, or deceive one we esteem .

10. Giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vesse l , Giving honor -- She doesn't have to earn it; She's your wife . She is more delicate ; take care not to break her.

11. God is your Father-in-law Treat His daughter well. Text : 7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

12. That your prayers be not hindered A man who doesn't treat his wife as God has directed, will not get a prayer heard or answered. In so doing we show forth the excellence and virtue of God.