Admittedly this post is intended as ricochet ministry. Described by a beloved Pastor (my paraphrase) as bouncing the message off my regular Readers (who highly likely have already embraced it and will) hopefully rebound it to others who might benefit. 

The picture is copied from a public domain and is pictured here as the springboard for this essay. This picture does not tell the whole story though. Does it?

It does tell me the targeted man is only valued, and the wife deems herself only loved, when the husband conforms to all the wishes and dictates of the wife. It tells me the wife sees herself predominately as One to be served rather than a partner in service. This is heartbreaking for both of them.
The pictured message is the opposite of the Spirit of Scripture. It is a 180 in the wrong direction from the principles that make for a healthy, happy marriage.  Biblical Principles when applied and treasured by BOTH will bring Life to life. 

Marriages are BUILT, not by one, not by two but by Three – GOD and the two. This building happens when the two individually love GOD FIRST and Secondly, love their mate more than they love their own needs, ways and comforts.  

Scripture does not give the option – I will if he will – someone has to start and the one who starts and does not give up reaps a harvest of plenty. 

Such is rare in our world because marriages today are contracts made to be broken instead of covenants entered for keeping in JESUS name. 

I know whereof I speak  – I’ve had both! The contract for breaking and the Covenant for keeping and that means SOMETHING!