Hi Dori;
I also read the book Love and Respect that Fluffy recommends; it is a wonderful book...both myself and my dh (dear hubby) of 9 years has read it and our marriage gets better every day. For male/female differences I recommend the books by Shaunte Feldhan-For Women only and For men only. What I have found to be very helpful in loving someone whom God has placed into your life (and you into his of course) is to realize just how very different they are from us. The differences, when respected, is what helps us learn and grow with our spouses.
I am so glad to hear that he is not "demanding your obedience" to him (I am sorry to say that I understand this kind of "christian love" and we will be entering counseling with our Pastor and wife very shortly...Hallelujah...I am still learning about TRUE submission and what it is NOT...)
The Holy Spirit will teach you and guide you in all wisdom in this area because you are seeking God's truth. It sounds to me that you are concerned with how you are responding to him. Seek to love him as "unto the Lord" and guard the words of your mouth (for out of the abundance of your heart the mouth speaks)... Loving him from the depths of your being is rarely even swayed by the cirucumstances that any day or any attitude may bring. Your husband is blessed to have a wife who loves him and wants to continue to grow into the godly woman that God has given him.
Please don't let my verbosity take over your thread. I do have so much to share but would like you to have the opportunity to share your concerns and thoughts as you continue to mature into a godly wife...
Love and prayers,
|