First, how it is. Consider the seven stages of a cold marriage.

 

The first year the husband says, 'Sugar, I'm worried about you. You've got a bad sniffle. I want to put you into the hospital for a complete check-up. I know the food's lousy, but I've arranged for your meals to be sent in from Rossini's.'

 

The second year: 'Honey, I don't like the sound of that cough. I've called Dr. Miller and he's coming right over. Now will you go to bed like a good girl, just for me - please?'

 

The third year: 'Maybe you'd better lie down, honey. Nothing like a little rest if you're feeling bad. I'll bring you something to eat. Have we got any soup in the house?'

 

The fourth year: 'Look, dear, be sensible. After you've fed the kids and washed the dishes, you'd better hit the sack.'

 

The fifth year: 'Why don't you take a couple of Aspirin?'

 

The sixth year: 'If you'd just gargle or something, instead of sitting around barking like a seal.'

 

The seventh year: 'For goodness sake, stop that sneezing. What are you trying to do, give me pneumonia?'

 

Now, how it ought to be! 'Husbands, go all out in love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church - a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ's love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything He does and says is designed to bring the best out of her...And that is how husbands ought to love their wives' (Ephesians 5:25-27 TM).