Protect and Defend Her (Genesis 3:11-12)

….”Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.”

Genesis 3:12 (ESV)

Eve gets a bum rap.

Men sometimes point out that it is a woman’s fault that sin entered into mankind. After all, it was Eve who succumbed to the temptation of Satan and first ate the forbidden fruit. She then shared it with Adam who also ate it, sharing in the guilty action. When God questions Adam, he ducks and gives an excuse that throws both God and Eve under the bus. For years, I bought into the notion that Eve was to blame for our fall. But this is not fair nor is it that simple.

Adam’s actions demonstrate the virulence of sin, rupturing a beautiful and perfect marriage, and degenerating into naming and blaming. God created Eve to be Adam’s help mate. Adam and Eve were married; they were of one flesh. His role was to protect and defend her, not blame her and abandon her. This is a sobering reminder to myself.

It is easy for me to slip into old habits, pointing the finger at my wife if things go awry. But all I am doing is pointing the finger at myself. My wife is reflection of me and how well I love and protect her. Like Adam and Eve, If she falls, I fall. If she fails, I fail. The burden is upon me as the head of the household and marriage to uplift, encourage, and strengthen her faith in Jesus Christ.

Protect and defend my wife. I must continue to look to Jesus Christ, the author and perfector of my faith for my guide.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.