How a Man Loves, Respects, & Treats a Woman as Christ Would the Church

By Brother Richard L. Dixon Now that 2012 is upon us, it is necessary to examine the importance of treating women (especially godly women) with the utmost respect. Unfortunately, the media, internet, and music are filled with negative examples of how a man should love, honor, and respect a woman. Young men are taught that women are nothing more than chattel property to be used, misused, and discarded when finished. The evidence of abusive relationships is increasing with intensity in the United States and around the world. Many young girls grow up with low self-esteem and fall into the same cycle of abusive relationships based on their experiences with their mothers while growing up. In some cases, the father is not in the picture, they are exposed to a steady stream of men that come into their lives who sexually molest them. Contrary to what has been portrayed in the media, the evidence of sexual and physical abuse of women young and old is just not isolated to the urban areas with high concentrations of blacks and Latinos. It is a phenomenon that happens and occurs regularly in white suburbia behind closed doors as well. Both the abuse and disrespect of women of all ages crosses cultural, religious, economic, and ethnic lines. Then how is a man supposed to treat, love and respect a woman? What textbook, seminar, or advice from an expert should he seek? What standard, law, or creed should he adhere to? The bible is very clear and gives a man soundly advice in this most important subject matter. (Eph 5:25 [KJV]) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (Eph 5:26 [KJV]) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (Eph 5:27 [KJV]) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (Eph 5:28 [KJV]) So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. (Eph 5:29 [KJV]) For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

(Eph 5:30 [KJV]) For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. (Eph 5:31 [KJV]) For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. (Eph 5:32 [KJV]) This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Eph 5:33 [KJV]) Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. Gentlemen how can you profess a love for Christ Jesus if you dont honor, cherish, and respect the woman in your life? How is it that can you can justify your actions to verbally and physically abuse a woman when you may have young daughters observing your disturbing behavior and will choose to go down the path of the cycle of abuse and low self-esteem. You need to get yourself straight and right. You wouldnt treat your mother or sister in such a way. So what gives you the right to dishonor the woman in your life? The word of God states (Prov 16:27 [KJV]) An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. What then constitutes a Godly man? A Godly Man walks with integrity and orders his steps in the ways of God Almighty. (Ps 1:1 [KJV]) Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. He seeks counsel from God and does not respond to the whims of the world. His walk with God is one of boldness, authority, humility, and confidence. He is aware at all times of his actions will have a bearing on his children and others that are around him A Godly man will marry the mother of his children and be the covering and support that God has meant for him to be. (Ezek 28:13 [KJV]) Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Most importantly, a Godly man will know the characteristics and attributes of a virtuous woman that God has truly blessed him with.

(Prov 31:10 [KJV]) Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. (Prov 31:11 [KJV]) The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

(Prov 31:12 [KJV]) She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. (Prov 31:13 [KJV]) She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. (Prov 31:14 [KJV]) She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. (Prov 31:15 [KJV]) She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. (Prov 31:16 [KJV]) She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. (Prov 31:17 [KJV]) She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. (Prov 31:18 [KJV]) She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. (Prov 31:19 [KJV]) She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. (Prov 31:20 [KJV]) She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. (Prov 31:21 [KJV]) She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. (Prov 31:22 [KJV]) She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. (Prov 31:23 [KJV]) Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. (Prov 31:24 [KJV]) She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. (Prov 31:25 [KJV]) Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

(Prov 31:26 [KJV]) She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. (Prov 31:27 [KJV]) She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. (Prov 31:28 [KJV]) Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. (Prov 31:29 [KJV]) Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. (Prov 31:30 [KJV]) Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. (Prov 31:31 [KJV]) Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. Being a true man of God in the respect, love, and admiration of your wife is a lifelong process and partnership. It means crucifying your flesh and pride daily. (1Pet 4:2 [KJV]) That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. As a Godly man, you should totally surrender and humble yourself body, mind, and spirit in all points in your life. Remember you dont own anything in your body naturally; it all belongs to God for the perfection of the Holy Ghost and the edification of his kingdom. By living a life for Christ as a Godly man also serves as an example to both your sons and daughters of the importance of having a monogamous relationship between a man and woman (husband & wife) that is grounded on sound biblical principles and concepts.