We often get hung up on Scripture’s call to wives to submit to their husbands. But let’s look in context and not miss a critical piece of the Word that will help strengthen our marriage.
Ephesians 5:33 says, “However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”(ESV)
Once again, we need to break down this Scripture. Husbands are to “love his wife as himself.” It is uncontested that our nature is to love ourselves more than anything. We will sacrifice so much on behalf of our personal comfort, success, worth, and even life. Husbands are called to do so for their wives. In other words, husbands, your wife’s value should be equal to if not more than you value yourself. And wives? We are called to respect our husbands. Respect is a huge part of strengthening our marriage, but in our culture, so much is thrown at us to undermine and emasculate our husbands. To point out their failures, to question their opinions, and even their intelligence. But no, we are called to respect them.
And oh, how much easier is it for him to love you as himself when he feels valued and respected, and oh, how much easier it is for you to respect him when he sacrifices himself on your behalf?
A marriage can be strengthened by engaging in humility, recognizing that our strength comes from God alone, striving to be unified as a couple, and practicing love and respect. None of these elements are easy, but the concepts can be simple. When practiced, they can create firm marital foundations.
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