Scripture:
“Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.
So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are members of His body.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.
(Ephesians 5:22-33)
Devotion:
Paul here is laying down the principles that governs the foundation of any Godly family. The first principle is that of submission. He called upon wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord. She is not to be seen as a doormat for the husband to simply walk over her. However, she willingly and actively supports his leadership in the home – never undermining or belittling him.
V.24 makes it clear that her submission to her husband is one way she demonstrates her submission to Christ. At the end of the day, we are all called to submit one to another out of reverence for Christ. (v21)
The second principle is that of love, and this in particular is a command to husbands. Husbands, as the spiritual head of the family, should demonstrate Christlikeness and love their wives as Christ loved the church. Just as Christ came “to serve and not to be served”. Husbands must exercise their authority in servant-leadership. He follows the example of Christ, who loved the church and gave Himself up for her. In other words, the husbands should be ready to make whatever sacrifices are necessary for their wives. He should make her well-being of primary importance. He should care for her as he cares for his own body. And no wife would be reluctant to submit to a man that treats her in this way.
Reflection:
(1) When wives submit to their husbands, and husbands love their wives, there is true harmony in the home, and God is glorified.
(2) The issue is not about power or who is in charge and in control. It is about Spirit-led relationships that is God-honoring.
Prayer:
Pray the Lord will help husbands and wives learn and grow to be Godly spouses as Scriptures laid down clearly. Amen.