Whenever you give your wife advice, always begin by telling her how much you love her. Nothing will persuade her so well to admit the wisdom of your words as her assurance that you are speaking to her with sincere affection. Tell her that you are convinced that money is not important, that only thieves thirst for it constantly, that you love her more than gold; and indeed an intelligent, discreet, and pious young woman is worth more than all the money in the world. Tell her that you love her more than your own life, because this present life is nothing, and that your only help is that the two of you pass through this life in such a way that in the world to come you will be united in perfect love.…Show her that you value her company, and prefer being at home to being out. Esteem her in the presence of your friends and children. Praise and show admiration for her good acts; and if she ever does anything foolish, advise her patiently.…Remind one another that nothing in life is to be feared, except offending God.
John Chrysostom,"Homily 20: On Ephesians 5:22-23," On Marriage and Family Life, (Crestwood:SVS Press, 1986), 60.
1 comment:
WOW! That was great advice! Too bad so few husbands follow it.
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