I once had talked to a gal who wouldn’t show affection to her husband in public. Why? She wanted to be a good role model for young girls.
The Bible says that older women should be role models for younger women. Really? Did she really just say that holding hands with her husband in front of young girls was being a bad role model? Her reasoning made me sad. Really it did. It also left me speechless. I only saw them hold hands once. That was it~~ and they were newlyweds!
I believe that the small act of holding hands in public can be a big witness. Holding hands with your husband shouldn’t be looked down upon in church, and thankfully I have never been to a church that projects that. In fact, the church that I attended when I was in youth group had youth leaders who were married. Looking back, I should of have been encouraged by this. I am thankful that there are couples who serve together in ministry. I think it is great to show youth strong thriving marriages, especially since there are a lot of marriages that seem to be in crisis.
I disagree with this woman’s reason for not showing affection with her husband in public. I think a great way for a wife to be a role model is show affection to her husband in public. Don’t be obnoxious. I get that. But goodness. How is it bad to hold hands or to kiss your husband in public? I don’t feel it is. I think that is one of the ways to live according to Titus 2:3-5:
Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. – Titus 2:3-5 (NLT)
I believe that women do have responsibilities and I do take that seriously. I believe that how wives treat their husbands is important, and can be a witness. Wives, we can witness not just to girls, but to everyone. I honestly believe that having a healthy marriage based on biblical principles can be an incredible witness to the world! If the world sees a marriage based on God’s Word that is thriving, this may open a door to share God’s love with them.
Holding hands should be, in my humble opinion, an outward sign of a happy and healthy marriage.
I do not believe that it is bringing shame on the word of God (Titus 2:5).
If holding hands with your husband in public is hard for you, I hope this encourages you. If you feel that it is awkward, maybe you can take some small steps towards this. Start by holding hands in the movie theatre or under the table at a restaurant. Then start holding hands when you go on walks together. Hopefully it can become second nature for you and your husband to hold hands in a crowd.
I can say from personal experience that when I reach for my husband’s hand to hold, it blesses him. He appreciates that I want to show others I am with him, and I am proud to be with him. I know that I appreciate it very much when he reaches for my hand to show the world unashamedly that he is proud that I am his wife and it lets me know that he loves me.
Be blessed!
