So, you take out the trash, fold some towels, and give your wife advice on how to fix a problem she’s having all while checking out the latest news or sports scores. You might be the king of the “multi-task” but will your marriage last? God has given the husband one of the biggest responsibilities ever—to love and lead his wife as Christ loves and leads His church (Eph. 5:23-25). A man must love his wife as he loves his own body and show his love for her by nourishing and cherishing her (Eph. 5:29). This is the kind of love that Joseph had for Mary. That is why he is a husband worthy of imitating.
Righteous (Mat. 1:19): Joseph had a firm desire to do the will of God. He was virtuous and upright. Think of the difference between Joseph and the many men today who refuse to acknowledge God. Both men and women need God.
Sensitive (Mat. 1:19): Joseph was not willing to make a public example of Mary. He knew that she could be stoned if he did not divorce her secretly (Deu. 22:23,24). Even though he must have felt betrayed, he was willing to show her compassion. Husbands today must learn to never criticize their wives publicly, but lift them up.
A Good Listener (Mat. 1:20-23): Many women complain that husbands never listen. However, Joseph listened well. When the angel of the Lord explained that Mary was still a virgin and had not been unfaithful, Joseph changed his mind about divorcing Mary. Men typically do not like to be told what to do, but Joseph listened and did what the angel told him.
Loyal (Mat. 1:24,25): Joseph had an unswerving devotion to God and his wife. He supported Mary and made sure that no one could doubt her purity by abstaining from a sexual relationship until after Jesus was born. He was a family man who supported his large family by working as a carpenter and leading them to follow God (Mat. 13:55,56; Luke 2:41,42). What if every husband ministered to the needs of his wife and family like Joseph?
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD” (Pro. 18:22).
“Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them” (Col. 3:19).
Righteous (Mat. 1:19): Joseph had a firm desire to do the will of God. He was virtuous and upright. Think of the difference between Joseph and the many men today who refuse to acknowledge God. Both men and women need God.
Sensitive (Mat. 1:19): Joseph was not willing to make a public example of Mary. He knew that she could be stoned if he did not divorce her secretly (Deu. 22:23,24). Even though he must have felt betrayed, he was willing to show her compassion. Husbands today must learn to never criticize their wives publicly, but lift them up.
A Good Listener (Mat. 1:20-23): Many women complain that husbands never listen. However, Joseph listened well. When the angel of the Lord explained that Mary was still a virgin and had not been unfaithful, Joseph changed his mind about divorcing Mary. Men typically do not like to be told what to do, but Joseph listened and did what the angel told him.
Loyal (Mat. 1:24,25): Joseph had an unswerving devotion to God and his wife. He supported Mary and made sure that no one could doubt her purity by abstaining from a sexual relationship until after Jesus was born. He was a family man who supported his large family by working as a carpenter and leading them to follow God (Mat. 13:55,56; Luke 2:41,42). What if every husband ministered to the needs of his wife and family like Joseph?
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD” (Pro. 18:22).
“Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them” (Col. 3:19).