“Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave.”
- November 10, 1483 – February 18, 1546
- Born in the Holy Roman Empire (Germany)
- Reformer, theologian
- Promoted the Protestant Reformation and published the Ninety-five Theses
Quote
“Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave.”
Explanation
In this quote, Martin Luther emphasizes the mutual responsibility of spouses to foster a loving and joyful relationship. He suggests that both the husband and wife should contribute to making their home a place of warmth and happiness. The wife’s role is to make her husband feel welcome and valued when he returns home, while the husband should reciprocate by ensuring that his wife feels appreciated and even a bit reluctant to see him leave. The underlying message is that a good marriage involves a balance of affection, respect, and care, where both partners create an environment that nurtures emotional connection.
Luther’s thoughts on marriage were shaped by his belief in its importance as a God-given institution. Contrary to the common medieval view of marriage as a purely pragmatic or functional relationship, Luther elevated it as a sacred union, where both partners have the responsibility to serve and support each other in both practical and spiritual matters. This quote reflects his belief that marriage should be a source of joy and mutual fulfillment, rather than a relationship characterized by duty alone. For Luther, a loving partnership in marriage was essential to maintaining peace and harmony, both within the family and in the broader community.
In modern relationships, this quote can be seen as a reminder of the importance of emotional investment and compassion in marriage. It highlights the idea that a healthy relationship is built on a foundation of affection and appreciation, where both partners are motivated to make each other feel valued. In today’s world, where work and external pressures can often make couples feel distant, Luther’s quote encourages couples to foster an environment where both partners feel wanted and cherished. This principle is reflected in modern relationship counseling and marriage advice, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong emotional bonds to ensure long-term happiness.
