From the desk of Norm and Jeannette Dalke

Hi (name withheld to protect privacy),

As one who is always concerned for the lives of his “kids”, I hope you’ll forgive me for offering a few words that relate to all of us, husbands in particular.  As a husband who has made his own batch of dumb decisions and damaging declarations, here are some of the things I’ve had to learn:

Love always gives, it never “takes”

Love accepts, it does not reject

Love always encourages, it cannot discourage

Love always supports, it does not tear down

Love always protects, it does not leave someone defenseless

Love always leads the way, it does not drive away

Love always requests, it does not demand or coerce

Love always compliments, it does not abuse.

In 1 Corinthians 13: 4 – 8 the Apostle Paul says it better than I can:

Love is not proud,

Love is not rude,

Love is not self-seeking,

Love is not easily angered,

Love keeps no record of wrongs,

Love does not delight in evil,

Love rejoices in the truth,

Love always protects,

Love always trusts,

Love always hopes,

Love always perseveres,

Love never fails!

Our challenge as husbands, since we all seem to desire a wife that is lovingly submissive (but not subservient) is to love her.  We are charged with encouraging her to become the most successful person she can be in the Lord.  We need to often be told that love is a commitment, and we are reminded that Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (Ephesian 4: 25-33).

Norm

PS:  Love has no gender.