Kind of Husband Not To Be
169
an affectionate, sympathetic disposition. These traits of character you
need to cultivate if you want to be an overcomer and if you want the
blessing of God in your family
[228]
To One Who Disregards Christian Courtesy—You have looked
upon it as a weakness to be kind, tender, and sympathetic and have
thought it beneath your dignity to speak tenderly, gently, and lovingly
to your wife. Here you mistake in what true manliness and dignity
consist. The disposition to leave deeds of kindness undone is a man-
ifest weakness and defect in your character. That which you would
look upon as weakness God regards as true Christian courtesy that
should be exercised by every Christian; for this was the spirit which
Christ manifested
Husbands Should Merit Love and Affection—If the husband
is tyrannical, exacting, critical of the actions of his wife, he cannot
hold her respect and affection, and the marriage relation will become
odious to her. She will not love her husband, because he does not
try to make himself lovable. Husbands should be careful, attentive,
constant, faithful, and compassionate. They should manifest love and
sympathy.... When the husband has the nobility of character, purity of
heart, elevation of mind, that every true Christian must possess, it will
be made manifest in the marriage relation.... He will seek to keep his
wife in health and courage. He will strive to speak words of comfort,
to create an atmosphere of peace in the home circle
[229]
[230]
8
Testimonies For The Church 4, 255
.
9
Testimonies For The Church 4, 256
.
10
Manuscript 17, 1891
.