By Emmanuella Owusu, GNA
Ashaiman, May 11, GNA — Mr Edward Asante, a Counsellor and Gospel Minister at the Church of Christ, Ashaiman-Lebanon, has underscored the need for sacrificial love and mutual respect as the fundamental pillars for sustaining modern marriages.
Speaking on the theme “Love and Respect in Marriage” during a special family life lectureship at the church, Mr Asante observed that the stability of the domestic unit relies heavily on husbands and wives understanding their unique emotional and biblical mandates.
He explained that while love and respect were required from both parties, they serve as primary emotional drivers for different genders.
Drawing inspiration from Ephesians 5:25, the counsellor charged husbands to mirror the sacrificial love of Christ, which he described as a selfless commitment to the well-being and security of the wife and the home.
“A husband’s love must be sacrificial. It is a responsibility that requires a man to give of himself for the growth and peace of his family,” he stated.
Addressing the role of wives, he noted that respect was a critical catalyst that motivates men to lead effectively, therefore urging women to be mindful of their tone and public conduct, noting that a wife who honours her husband creates a conducive environment for the marriage to flourish.
Responding to concerns during a question-and-answer session regarding whether the emphasis on respect was one-sided, Mr Asante clarified that biblical domestic order was not about inferiority but about divine harmony.
He referenced Colossians 3:18-19, cautioning husbands against being harsh or authoritarian, and stressed that a man’s strength was best displayed through gentleness and patience rather than through intimidation.
“Marriage is a partnership of vital but distinct roles. When a husband loves without being harsh and a wife supports with sincerity, the home becomes a place of peace and a model for the next generation,” he added.
The lectureship, which featured sessions of worship and intercessory prayer for families, concluded with a call for couples to prioritise their individual responsibilities over keeping score of their partner’s shortcomings to ensure a lasting legacy of domestic harmony.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Benjamin Mensah