Understanding the Purpose and Power of Men

Understanding the Purpose and Power of Men

that everything was good except for one thing: “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (Gen. 2:18, emphasis added). When God created man‘s he l per, He made her as strong as the man, so that she can help him. We have to appreciate the fact that males and females have different strengths, and that each can‘t fully function without the other. There are some strengths that God has given the female that the male does not possess. Until he re cognizes the strengths God has placed within the female, he will be weak in those areas, because she was designed to supply what he lacks.

The Distinct Natures of Men and Women

In this chapter, we‘ll explore the m ajor differences be tween men and women in the way they think, act, and re

spond, so we can better meet one another‘s needs and work cooper a tively to fulfill God‘s purposes. Again, these differences are not right or wrong, better or worse; they are just different. Keep in mind also that these are general tendencies.

The need for

respect lies

at the core

of a man’s

self-esteem.

Some of these qualities may be manifested in either males or females, depending on how God has gifted them to fulfill their individual purposes.

1. Differences in Primary Needs

The primary needs of males are (1) respect, (2) recrea tional companionship, and (3) sex. The primary needs of fe males are (1) love, (2) conversation, and (3) affection.

The Male’s Need for Respect

A man doesn‘t just desire respect, he needs it. It is part of his nature as leader, protector, and provider. The need for respect is at the core of his self-esteem, and it affects every other area of his life. More than anyone else, a wife can meet her husband‘s need for admiration and respect by understanding his value and achievements. She needs to remind him of his capabilities and help him to maintain his self-confidence. She should be proud of her husband, not

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