Christian Marriage
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body . . . Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish . . . Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” Ephesians 5:22-23, 25-27, 33
Paul beautifully describes God’s design for marriage and the perfect roles that God gives to husbands and wives in their “one flesh” relationship. Marriage mirrors our relationship with Christ.
The role of wives submitting to their husbands is viewed by many as a negative, discriminating, and horribly outdated command. But remember, God designed marriage to be the greatest blessing that brings couples joy and happiness when they follow God’s order. Wives, remember these words, “As to the Lord.” There is nothing negative about submitting to Christ. It is our great privilege. Submitting to your husband in marriage is submitting to Christ.
Husbands, what a standard to live up to, to love your wife “just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” It is impossible to fully live up to that, but that is our goal every day. Christ gave Himself for the church in order to present it glorious without spot or wrinkle. Likewise, your role is to sacrifice yourself for her in every way necessary to make her truly shine in splendour, physically, emotionally, and especially spiritually. When husband and wife both focus on their own role of building the other up, you will have a truly blessed, joyful, and God pleasing marriage.
Lord, forgive my selfishness and help me to give only love and respect to build up my spouse as you have taught us. Amen