“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:22
The Call to Submission
In our lives as partners in marriage, we often reflect on our roles and responsibilities. The Bible teaches us that there is a sacred calling for wives to submit to their husbands. This doesn’t imply inferiority but rather encourages a beautiful partnership where each person plays their unique role. By embracing this call, we honor God’s design for marriage, creating harmony and mutual respect. It’s a reminder that in unity, we reflect God’s love and purpose in our households. Submission is a choice, rooted in love and respect for our spouse. We choose to support and uplift our husbands, leading to a truly flourishing relationship.
Ephesians 5:22
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:22
Colossians 3:18
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” – Colossians 3:18
1 Peter 3:1
“Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives.” – 1 Peter 3:1
Titus 2:5
“Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” – Titus 2:5
1 Timothy 2:11-12
“A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.” – 1 Timothy 2:11-12
The Foundation of Respect
Respect is fundamental for a healthy marriage. When we obey our husbands, we express our love and admiration for them. The Bible often emphasizes the significance of respect in relationships, encouraging us to honor one another. By acknowledging our husbands as leaders in line with God’s guidance, we create a nurturing environment built on trust and collaboration. As we cultivate respect in our interactions, we strengthen our bond and display the love of Christ within our marriages. This mutual respect allows both partners to flourish, making our homes a reflection of God’s kingdom.
Ephesians 5:33
“However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” – Ephesians 5:33
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” – Colossians 3:19
1 Peter 2:17
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” – 1 Peter 2:17
Proverbs 31:10
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” – Proverbs 31:10
Proverbs 12:4
“A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.” – Proverbs 12:4
Sharing Responsibilities
In a relationship, both partners have roles to fulfill. While we often focus on the importance of obeying our husbands, it’s essential to recognize our shared responsibilities in the marriage. God assigns tasks to both partners to remind us that we are equal contributors in our families. Obeying our husbands means embracing our roles while also encouraging them in theirs. We work together, ensuring our family grows in faith and unity. This partnership beautifully illustrates the commitment to one another and the togetherness we experience in Christ.
Genesis 2:18
“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'” – Genesis 2:18
1 Cor 7:3
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.” – 1 Corinthians 7:3
Ephesians 5:21
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” – Ephesians 5:21
Philippians 2:2
“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” – Philippians 2:2
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Modeling Godly Love
The act of obeying our husbands is not merely about following directives. It’s about modeling the love that Christ has shown to us. God commands us to love and serve one another, and in our marriages, this serves as an example of divine love. By choosing to obey, we reflect the unconditional love Christ offers to His church. As we partner with our husbands in this pursuit, we can create a home saturated with grace, joy, and faithfulness. Our obedient hearts influence our family for the better, pointing them all back to God.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
The Importance of Trust
Obeying our husbands requires trust. Trust is the foundation of any thriving relationship. When we place our trust in our husbands, we are acknowledging their leadership and protecting the relationship from doubt and insecurity. We commit to believing in their guidance while encouraging them in their decisions. Trust fosters open communication and facilitates deeper connection in our marriages. By building trust, we cultivate a lasting partnership that honors God and thrives in divine love.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.” – Psalm 37:5
Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” – Proverbs 11:13
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
The Role of Prayer in Obedience
Prayer plays a vital role in our marriages, especially regarding our obedience. Through prayer, we seek God’s wisdom and guidance in how to love and obey our husbands rightly. Engaging in prayer strengthens not only our relationship with God but also our marriage. It helps us align our hearts with His and recognize the importance of obedience as a willing “yes” to our husbands. In prayer, we invite God into our marriage, seeking His support in every decision and every act of obedience.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6-7
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20
Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2
Final Thoughts
As we explore the topic of obeying our husbands, we recognize the beauty and strength found in God’s design for marriage. It’s not just about submission; it’s about love, respect, and trust between partners. By committing to obey and support our husbands, we create a nurturing environment that reflects Christ’s love. Our obedience is an expression of faith, trust, and a perfect example of supportive partnership.
We must remember to communicate openly and encourage one another on this journey. As we pray together and model God’s love in our relationships, we can create a thriving marriage that brings glory to God.
Let’s continue to grow together in understanding, love, and mutual respect. Don’t forget to explore more topics like forgiving your husband or forgiveness in marriage, as these will also strengthen our relationships and deepen our faith.