Couples really are not that different from each other. There are common needs most men and women bring to a marriage in order to make the marriage the best it can be.

Here are 7 of the greatest needs of a wife:

1. Attention

Wives want to be listened to (even when the television is on) and know that we believe what they have to say is important.

Are you truly listening to what your wife is saying? Again, do your actions prove this?

2. Protection

Wives want their husbands to be the defender of the family; not just against the strange sounds in the night, but against all the threats in society. They want man to take the ownership in leading our family spiritually and in teaching  kids how to defend themselves and stay strong in an evil world.

3. Security/Commitment

The wife wants to know that the dear one is going to be there forever. Does she know he won’t cheat on her? Are you going to be faithful always?

Can she trust you? Do your actions build that confidence?

4. Appreciation/Value

Wives want to be valued for who they are as much as for what they do. Wives want to know we see them with value beyond just what she does to keep the household running. Is she more important than the stuff she does? Is she still beautiful?

Do you regular tell her what you admire about her? Do you genuinely compliment her—not just what she does?

5. Compassion

The Bible refers to women as the “weaker vessels.” Of course this doesn’t mean they are less than men, but that men and women are different. Women are going to respond differently to situations. They may cry easier, take longer to resolve things emotionally, feel tired quicker.

Men, do you understand that your wife is not wired like you? Are you patient with her, allowing her to process things differently than you?

6. Partnership

Wives don’t want to do life alone. They want their husband’s participation in raising the kids, making decisions around the house. They want someone to do life with them, not live two separate lives in the same household.

Men, would your wife say you are truly her partner?

 7. Love

Ephesians 5:2 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” How did Christ love the church? 1John 3:16  “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.”

Men, do you love your wife above everything else in your life (apart from your Christ relationship), including your work, your hobbies, your friends, family, and even the children? And, more importantly, do your actions prove your words?

Bottom line:

“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband”               

 (1 Corinthians 7:3)________________________________________p___________________________

                                                             (Courtesy: Ron Edmondson)