It is the dream of most women to be loved by a man who honours her, respects her, is faithful to her, and with whom she can build a successful life.
The characteristics of love are outlined in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, and in Ephesians 5:25, husbands are encouraged to love their wives as Christ loved the church. The actions of some men who fail to meet the requirements of love outlined in the Bible give all men a bad name. However, I know there are a few good men left who honour their relationships and their spouses.
TWO BIBLE CHARACTERS WHO LOVED THEIR WIVES
Some of us may never have a husband or may never encounter a man who truly loves us, but we can live our lives vicariously through Bible characters. Let me share two persons that I find interesting: Jacob (Genesis 29) and Elkanah (1 Samuel 1).
Jacob
In Genesis 29:16–31, we read that Jacob’s relative Laban had two daughters, Leah and Rachel. Leah was the eldest and had weak eyes, while Rachel was gorgeous, and Jacob loved her. Jacob agreed to work for seven years with Laban to get Rachel to be his wife. After the wedding and reception festivities, he awoke and found that it was Leah that he had married. Talk about jilted at the altar. Jacob was tricked into marrying Leah, and he had to work another seven years to get Rachel. Even after having a few children, there was no indication that Jacob’s love for Leah increased.
Elkanah
Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah (1 Samuel 1). Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. Elkanah loved Hannah, and when she started having children, there was no further mention of Peninnah.
MY CONCLUSION ON THE MATTER
- Leah tried desperately to get love and attention from her husband Jacob, but despite having several children, his feelings did not change towards her as she became his wife by trickery. She knew he loved Rachel.
- Can you love two persons the same way at the same time? Even though they had two wives, Jacob loved only Rachel, and Elkanah loved only Hannah.
I personally don’t have an answer to the question I posed in the topic because I have never experienced the love of a man like Rachel and Hannah have. However, it is my hope that you, my sisters, will patiently await the right “Mr. Right”, with the LORD’s help. Also, when you are praying, pray for discernment to identify the wolves wearing sheep clothing.
Remember, Jesus and your Heavenly Father love you, and “there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Cor. 10:13)
Mellisha Carter-Linton is author of the book “From Bitterness to Betterness: Principles to Change Your Outlook on Life”. Mellisha is also an Assistant Internal Audit Manager, who enjoys working with young people especially motivating girls. She is trained by The Multicare Youth Foundation as a Mentor and as Christian Life Coach by the Christian Coaches Alliance.
Contact Mellisha at 876-214-6740, via email at mellishacarter.business@gmail.com , on Instagram and Facebook at mellishacarterwrites and Mellisha Carter-Linton on Linkedin.