The Apostle Paul takes the “one flesh” union very seriously. He instructs the husband to love his wife, not "as he loves his own body," but to love her "as his own body.” He explains this by following up with “he who loves his wife loves himself” and "no one ever hated his own flesh but nourishes and cherishes it.” While the effects may not be felt immediately, a husband who mistreats his wife will eventually suffer consequences for he is injuring himself.