Proverbs 5verse18-20: ‘Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth. As a loving deer and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and always be enraptured with her love. For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, and be embraced in the arms of a seductress.’ 

Dearly beloved, I hope you are enjoying this awesome series on building a healthy marriage. This is the expectation of God concerning your home, and it should be your ultimate desire and goal too. So how are things with you and your spouse? How would you describe your relationship with your spouse? This is what this series of lessons is all about; to help you discover and apply these principles that will make your marriage stronger! As you can see from our text scripture (Pro5v18-20). God wants you to find satisfaction in your spouse and no other woman or man! He wants you to be maritally fulfilled in every sense of the Word. So how can you know if your marriage is healthy or not? This has been the subject of our discussion so far! Today we will look at another Indicator!  

INDICATORS OF A HEALTHY MARRIAGE: 

2. Mutual Respect. A relationship that is void of respect is bound to fail. So respect is crucial in a marriage! The principle should be I respect you, you respect me and we respect one another! Mutual respect starts with you. Respect yourself first, for if you don’t respect yourself, others might not respect you! So a healthy marriage is one in which the partners have high regard or respect for one another (Eph.5v21). So to what extent do you respect your spouse? Mutual respect is what makes a couple to be able to work together! Your spouse deserves some measure of respect and if you want your home to work and be peaceful, you need to respect one another! So how can we show and also boost respect for one another? The following titbits will be of help: 

– Recognize Each Other’s Uniqueness. See, your difference has a form of strength and not weakness! The fact that you are different does not mean you should not respect each other. Realize that you were made different to make a difference! Understand that you are your spouse neither your spouse you! Once you realize your uniqueness, it helps you to build respect (Rom.12v6) 

– Value each other very well. Holding each other in high esteem is the key to respect. Another way you can value each other is by appreciating and cherishing one another. See your partner as an Asset, not a liability. See each other as a Blessing and not a burden! Once you start valuing each other, respect becomes easy (Mal.2v14-15). 

– Treat Each other with Dignity and Respect. How do you treat your spouse? Do you treat them as special or like everyone? The Way you treat your spouse will determine how they will respond! Treat your Husband like a King and your wife like a Queen! It will surprise you the kind of transformation you will begin to see in your home!  

– Work Together as a Team. See your spouse as a member of your team! See your partner as your teammate. Your spouse is your counterpart or mate. So try to complement each other efforts and stop competing against each other. As a team, realize that you are working together to achieve the same objectives and goals. So see your spouse as your teammate and not rival. In this way, you build respect one for another (Eccl.4v9). 

– Play your Role with dignity and Excellence. You will command the respect of your partner when you begin to play your role in your marriage excellently; it will command the respect of your spouse! So why not begin today? Start excellently playing your role and watch the transformation that will take place in your home (Pro.31v10). 

My dear brothers and sisters, I believe you can see the significant role that Mutual respect plays in building a Healthy Marriage. So it’s time to establish a Culture of Respect in your Marriage! Doing this will make your home a far better place! May this be your experience and Testimony from henceforth. 

Other Scriptural References: (1Pet.3v1,7-8; Eph.4v7,16; Pro.12v4; 31v13-18, 21-22, 24, 27; Rom.13v7). 

Prayer for Today: Holy Spirit, I choose to acknowledge and give the respect that is due to my spouse from today in Jesus name, amen. 

CONFESSION: I choose to hold in high esteem my spouse from today! I recognize that my spouse has value and I honour them accordingly! I will treat my partner with dignity and honour! I will also serve them to the best of my abilities. Together we work as a Team to bring Glory to God’s name and Kingdom. This is my solemn vow in Jesus name, amen.