"However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." - Ephesians 5:33

When you plant a garden the possibility of colorful beauty and sweet fragrance is great. But the possibility is determined by the amount of time and effort you invest. If you walk away in early spring and only return at the end of summer, your garden will be ravaged by weeds. But if you visit daily with water, weeding, feeding and tender loving care your garden will be a show place. The simple truth is this: we reap what we sow.

Paul knew that every marriage was like a garden. If the couple says "I Do" and then goes about their daily activities living for themselves, they will drift apart and eventually be ravaged by the weeds of selfishness. But, If both husband and wife will invest love and respect then the end product will be a beautiful and fragrant relationship. The simple truth still applies: we reap what we sow.

If you are a husband, your investment is to show a Christ-like sacrificial love that protects, provides, nourishes and treasures your wife. If you are a wife, your investment is to respect your husband with Godly help, support and encouragement to build a Christ centered home together. When you each invest your part with a whole heart as unto the Lord, you will reap what you sow: a beautiful and fragrant marriage.