How To Love Our Wives In A More "Princely Way"

In September 2006, people around the world reacted with shock when the news media reported that Steve Irwin, the “Crocodile Hunter,” had died. His enthusiasm for life and for God’s creatures was contagious, making him a favorite television personality worldwide.

When his wife was interviewed shortly after her husband’s death, her love for him was obvious as she said through her tears, “I’ve lost my prince.” What an affectionate way to memorialize her husband! She saw him as her prince and best friend.

In contrast, the husband-wife relationship is often viewed today as anything but the tender, affectionate relationship the Irwin couple shared. Instead we see bitterness, insults, and animosity presented in the media as the norm. How much more desirable it is to see true love — to see a husband unashamedly cherish his wife — to unselfishly be her “prince.”

How can we as husbands love our wives in a more princely way? Let’s try these three suggestions:

1) Listen — Enjoy the tender times when our wives can unburden their hearts to us without fear.
2) Love life — Find acceptable ways to add spice to our marriages.
3) Lead spiritually — Lead the way into prayer and intimate fellowship with the Lord.

Men, let’s be a “prince” to our princess (Ephesians 5:25-33) — the wife we vowed to unconditionally “love till death do us part.”

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets