Solution

Eph.5:²⁵ “For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her” [with emphasis]

Men, before you got married, you must have thought this was the easiest instruction to follow right? But a lot of men feel that if they were to love their wives, the women would begin to take them for granted. The truth is that some women do not know how to behave and for this reason they would abuse the love you give. But the answer and the only response to such people actually is love. Some men think holding back on love is the only way to toughen up their wives but the Bible says Col.3:¹⁹ “Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly” [with emphasis].

Many wives are afraid to let go completely and just be totally vulnerable in their marriage. And it is for the same reason, the fear of being taken for granted, the fear of being taken advantage of. For some women, the problem is that their fathers took advantage of them and so anyone in authority over them is in trouble. It is a convoluted situation but the answer is to just face your fears. Do the things you are most afraid of. Be most vulnerable to your husband because that is what it is supposed to be. He may take you for granted because of your vulnerability, but he may not. Just see it this way – you are married. If you want to enjoy that marriage, you have to be totally, one hundred percent vulnerable. I believe God is talking to someone reading this today. Please hear His voice and obey.

Ps. 56:³ “When I am afraid, I will put my confidence in God.  Yes, I will trust the promises of God”  [LB, with emphasis]. When you are afraid, do not put your confidence in a formula or in a ten-step process as the way out of fear. God admonishes us to put our confidence in Him and trust His promises. The antidote to fear is a person – God! Receiving God and giving God is the antidote to fear. When self is at the center of our lives, it becomes filled with fear. But when Christ is at the center of our lives, it is filled with faith. So make it all about Jesus.

Prayer [song]: Jesus be the center of my life (2x); From beginning to the end it will always be, it’s always been You Jesus, Oh Jesus. Nothing else matters, nothing in this world will do.

Jesus You’re the center, and everything revolves around You – Jesus You (x2). Amen!