We live in a world of entitlement where we are taught to protect our own rights. Marriage, however, is a relationship that can only work if you're more focused on the rights of your spouse than your own rights. Embrace the responsibilities listed below to protect these rights for your spouse and your marriage will thrive!
Your primary responsibilities to your husband or wife:
Your husband/wife has a right to your love
Our culture has attempted to redefine love as nothing more than a feeling, but real love is commitment displayed through consistent self-sacrifice, affection and protection.
Your husband/wife has a right to your time
When you got married you willingly gave up exclusive rights to your time, because your spouse now has a rightful claim to it as well. Time is the "currency of relationships" so invest time into your marriage.
Your husband/wife has a right to your respect
Regardless of your mood or your circumstances, your spouse has a right to be treated with dignity and respect at all times. A marriage can't survive without it.
Your husband/wife has a right to your money
"For richer or for poorer." Your debts, assets and possessions are no longer separated as "his" and "hers." If you own it, your spouse owns it too.
Your husband/wife has a right to your very best
Don't go all day giving the best of yourself to co-workers and strangers and then give your leftovers to your spouse. Strive to give the best of yourself to your marriage.
Your husband/wife has a right to your faithfulness
When you made a vow to "forsake all others," you were committing to never let anyone take your spouse's place in your mind, your heart, or your bed.
Your husband/wife has a right to your honesty
Secrets are an enemy of intimacy and there's no place for secrecy or lies in marriage. Be open, honest and transparent in your communication with your spouse.
Your husband/wife has a right to your body
This one might sound controversial, but in 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, the Bible clearly outlines the fact that you have a responsibility to be consistently available to your spouse for affection, comfort and sex.
Your husband/wife has a right to YOU
Be willing to place all that you have and all that you are into the hands of your spouse and invite him/her to do the same for you. This is the essence of marriage.
This article was originally published on Patheos. It has been republished here with permission.
