Our home group at church is doing book studies for the men and women. The men are reading and studying The Masculine Mandate and the women are reading and studying Feminine Appeal. During my reading today, I was convicted pretty deep about my love for Chris.
The book is talking mainly about the Titus 2 wife. Specifically verses 3-5:
Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. (Titus 2:3-5 NLT)
Chapter 2 of the book is what I was reading today. It specifically talks about verse 4 and the wife loving her husband. The Bible mentions 4 different types of love, Agape (sacrificial), Phileo (friendship), Eros (romantic), and Storge (family). The word “love” in verse 4 is using the Phileo type of love- friendship or brotherly love.
I find myself constantly getting caught up in loving Chris with an Agape kind of love. Sacrificing things for him, serving him by caring for the girls, washing the dishes, making dinner, etc. I think that’s very easy to do in today’s world of getting things done, raising kids, preparing for the future, etc. None of those things are bad, but I lately I rarely find myself loving him with a Phileo love. Enjoying his presence, being interested in his hobbies, taking delight in spending time with him.
Now stop before you misunderstand me- I love being with my husband and having him around…so he can help me!
But am I truly enjoying and cherishing him?
For lack of a better way to put it, am I still spell bound and in love with him the way I was when we were dating? Titus 2:4 commands me to be this way with him. Delighting in him, his presence, his hobbies, getting “the butterflies” when I see him.
I have no doubt that God allowed me to read this chapter of the book today, a week before we go on our trip to Vegas without the kids. I definitely need to get back to loving him with a Phileo kind of love. It’s definitely more “fun” than an agape kind of love.
How are you currently loving your husband?
