Elisha was another man. Some men will be jealous; so much so they won’t let a woman even talk to another man. Get as far away from such people as possible. Love is about what you can give, after all. And, such action on the Shunammite’s husband’s part would have only been selfish, keeping her from hearing about God.
However, it is vital to be protective. Parents are there to help children guard their hearts and minds from sin. If they’re not, it’s your job. So, how do you keep protective from being possessive? After all, control freaks will sometimes claim to be doing things in the other person’s best interest?
One way is accountability. This is true for parents, as well as spouses – make sure you are always open and honest about your feelings.
Listening is far more important than talking. The Shunammite’s husband listened to his wife. In return, she told him everything. He let her build that chamber for the man of God because she explained very clearly. Indeed, she said “let us build” – she included him. He understood, because he listened, that her only purpose was to serve God.
Love involves freedom, as well as understanding. Even if it hurts. The prophet Hosea had a very unusual assignment from God. God told Hosea to marry a prostitute. They had children, she left, and he was told to buy her back – to redeem her.
The meaning was for Israel; the people had turned away from God and did whatever they wanted. They were serving and worshipping idols. Yet, God loved them. The man of God, Hosea, represented God to the people. By doing this, Hosea showed that God would win the people back with His love, anyway.
However, we can apply this to marriage. It’s supposed to be about love. And, both spouses should give equally. Not because they’ll get something in return. But, because they love each other. If a person tries to control your life, your friends, and everything else, for no reason but his own, he is not the right one. So, before you get involved in thinking about someone too much, make sure they’ll let you have freedom.
