Put Others First

1 Peter 3:7

“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

The third way to prepare yourself for marriage and to be a godly husband is to practice putting others first. Most people are familiar with the scripture that tells wives to submit to their husbands. But it’s equally important to read the verse before that one in Ephesians 5:21, which says, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Husbands are also called to submit and humbly serve their wives. Ephesians 5:23 says, “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself…” A man is called to be a leader in a marriage, but the best leaders are husbands who love and put their wives first.

So, how do you become more selfless?

Serve with a Humble Heart

Philippians 2:3-4 instructs, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your interests but each of you to the interests of the others." This principle is essential for a godly husband who aims to put his family first. And you can start embodying it now by serving people in your life with a humble heart. Demonstrating humility in service strengthens your relationship and mirrors the love Christ has for the church.

Love Sacrificially

Husbands are called to a sacrificial kind of love, placing their wife’s well-being and happiness above their own. Practicing sacrificial love can mean making compromises, dedicating time and effort to understand and meet your partner's needs, and being willing to make sacrifices for the betterment of your spouse and family. Start practicing this type of love now by actively listening to and empathizing with others, especially in your close relationships. Show kindness without expecting anything in return, offer your time and resources to help those in need, and develop a habit of putting the interests of others before your preferences or convenience. This not only prepares you for marriage but also enriches your character and deepens your relationships.

Lead by Serving

Matthew 20:26-28 challenges conventional notions of leadership, stating, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant... just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve." In marriage, leading by serving means prioritizing your wife's and family's needs and making decisions that benefit not just yourself but your entire household. Right now, this could look like volunteering for tasks without being asked, seeking opportunities to support and uplift those around you, and developing a mindset of service. This will help prepare you to be a compassionate and understanding partner in your future marriage.

These practices lay the groundwork for a loving, God-centered marriage where both partners feel valued, respected, and cherished. By putting others first, you become more Christ-like in the way you love and lead.