Five Biblical Marks of a Godly Husband
Being a godly husband is a high calling rooted in Scripture, where love, sacrifice, and faithfulness reflect Christ’s relationship with His church. The Bible offers timeless wisdom for men seeking to honor God in marriage.
Here are five key points, each highlighting an essential trait of a godly husband, grounded in biblical context.
1. A Godly Husband Loves Sacrificially
Ephesians 5:25 commands, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” A godly husband doesn’t merely feel affection; he actively lays down his desires for his wife’s good. Just as Jesus sacrificed His life, a husband sacrifices time, pride, or comfort to nurture his marriage.
This kind of sacrificial love is biblical leadership, which is servant-leadership. This love isn’t conditional—it persists through challenges, mirroring Christ’s unwavering commitment.
2. A Godly Husband Leads with Humility
First, don’t confuse humility with weakness, which men often do. Scripture calls husbands to lead, but not with arrogance. In 1 Peter 3:7, Peter instructs husbands to “live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel.” A man with strength doesn’t use his power to push his wife down; instead, he uses it to lift her up and protect her.
When a godly husband exercises servant-leadership by listening, understanding, and discerning his wife’s needs, not only does he prove his strength, he demonstrates to her that he is in control of his strength. His authority reflects Christ’s servant-leadership, not domination, fostering a partnership where both thrive under God’s design.
3. A Godly Husband Pursues Purity
In Matthew 5:28, Jesus warns, “Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” A godly husband guards his eyes and heart, honoring his wife with faithfulness in thought and action. Your eyes are the gateway to your heart.
As a godly husband, you want to guard your heart because life issues flow out of it. Job’s resolve—“I have made a covenant with my eyes” (Job 31:1)—sets a standard for men to reject temptation, ensuring their devotion remains undivided and their marriage sacred.
4. A Godly Husband Prays and Seeks God First
Some men think it is the woman’s responsibility to be spiritual in the marriage. That is not a biblical concept. God walked with Adam before he had a wife. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus teaches to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.”
A godly husband prioritizes his relationship with God, knowing that spiritual strength flows into his marriage. Whether praying with his wife or for her, he anchors their union in faith. Joshua’s declaration, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15), exemplifies this commitment to lead his family toward God.
5. A Godly Husband Extends Grace and Forgiveness
Colossians 3:19 exhorts, “Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.” A godly husband reflects God’s grace, offering forgiveness when wronged and patience in conflict. Just as Christ forgives the church, he doesn’t harbor bitterness but seeks reconciliation. This gentleness strengthens the marriage, creating a home where love and peace reign.
Remember, gentleness is the expression of a gentleman. A gentleman is not weak, nor is he playing nice. He is a strong man who is in control of his emotions.
Conclusion
The call to be a godly husband is both a privilege and a challenge, requiring daily reliance on God’s strength. By loving sacrificially, leading humbly, pursuing purity, seeking God, and extending grace, a husband honors his wife and glorifies God. These biblical principles don’t promise perfection but point to a purpose-filled marriage that reflects the gospel to the world.
Action Step
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