Diss-Respectful

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33 NIV.

The word diss was used a lot in the 1980s. I used it in high school and heard the word used in rap music. It began with rap battles but originated in Jamaican or African vernacular. It means disrespect.

I was in prayer one time and noticed this verse as I studied. It says we must love our wives as men. But then wives don’t love their husbands first. They respect them. Men desire respect over love. They don’t want to be dissed by their spouses. I know the deepest hurts I experienced were when I felt disrespected. Men desire to be esteemed, especially by their wives.

This is excellent advice. Husbands should make their wives feel loved and assure them they are the only ones. Not doing so might cause disrespect, which cuts men to the heart. We are designed to receive admiration from our wives.

The first chapters of Proverbs point to something interesting. It never says women must be careful of men. Men must be cautious of women. A wife may tell her husband he looks ridiculous in an outfit. At work, a woman complimented him on his appearance. That’s how it starts. The reverse can also occur, but with men, it begins with disrespect from their wives.

Let’s make a conscious effort to prioritize Jesus in our lives. Husbands, let's strive to love our wives more deeply. Wives, let's make it a habit to compliment our husbands. We aim to create an environment where no one feels disrespected. Let’s celebrate the unique design God has given us and uplift each other. Because if we don’t, someone else might. 

Lord, make us better spouses. Lead us to improve our marriages. Change and mold us into what You desire us to be today. In Jesus’ name, amen.