“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:22
Understanding Submission
In our roles as wives, understanding the concept of submission is crucial in our relationship with our husbands. The Bible teaches us that submission is not about being inferior but rather about respect and partnership. When we submit to our husbands, it’s an act of honoring God’s design for marriage. As we acknowledge our husband’s leadership, we also reflect our commitment to God’s intention for our family. It is important for us to grasp that genuine submission stems from love, trust, and mutual respect between husband and wife. This Biblical perspective encourages us to create a nurturing and harmonious environment where both partners thrive, reminding us that we share responsibilities and joys together.
Ephesians 5:24
“Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.” – Ephesians 5:24
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
1 Peter 3:5
“For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands.” – 1 Peter 3:5
Titus 2:5
“Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children.” – Titus 2:5
Respect in Marriage
Respect is a cornerstone of marriage. When we talk about obeying our husbands, we should also remember that this obedience is intertwined with mutual respect. Both partners should honor each other, creating a loving and understanding atmosphere. As we respect our husbands, we become an example of God’s love. It reflects that our love for them is more than just words, but also actions that build up and encourage. Let us remember that respect should never be one-sided. In a healthy marital relationship, it flows both ways, nurturing a bond that lasts and grows stronger.
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
1 Corinthians 7:3
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.” – 1 Corinthians 7:3
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Proverbs 31:11-12
“Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” – Proverbs 31:11-12
Blessings of Obedience
Obeying our husbands can initially feel daunting, but there are numerous blessings that come with fulfilling this role. When we align our actions with God’s word regarding marriage, we open ourselves up to receiving the blessings that follow. We may find peace in our homes, joy in our relationships, and a deeper connection with our husbands. Additionally, our obedience can lead to a brighter example for our children, guiding them towards understanding the significance of respecting and loving their future partners. There’s a beautiful reward that comes with aligning our lives with God’s design.
Deuteronomy 5:33
“Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” – Deuteronomy 5:33
James 1:25
“But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” – James 1:25
Romans 2:6
“God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” – Romans 2:6
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
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
Support and Partnership
Marriage is a partnership, and within that partnership, we are called to support each other. When we talk about obeying our husbands, we must remember that this does not mean we lose our voice or our value. Instead, it’s an agreement to be allies in this life together. This means we support and uplift one another through prayer, encouragement, and shared responsibilities. By actively choosing to encourage and support our husbands, we grow closer to them and further establish the foundation of our familial unit. This partnership can be make or break, and we must nurture it as a divine calling.
Ephesians 5:21
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” – Ephesians 5:21
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Role of a Wife
Understanding our role as wives is essential to build strong marriages. As we read through scriptures about obeying our husbands, we see that it encourages us to fulfill a loving role in our families, providing support, understanding, and emotion. Our obedience is a way to create a safe space for our husbands to thrive as leaders, and this opens up pathways for growth in our marriages. It is crucial to recognize that this role is actively chosen by us, and we have the power to define how we approach it. Our approach can foster love and strength in our families.
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
Proverbs 31:26
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” – Proverbs 31:26
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” – Proverbs 31:30
Titus 2:4-5
“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 2:4-5
1 Timothy 3:11
“In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.” – 1 Timothy 3:11
Forgiveness and Growth
No marriage is perfect, and each of us may find ourselves in situations where growth is necessary. As we obey our husbands, we may face challenges and hurt, but this is an opportunity for forgiveness and healing. Understanding that no one person is infallible is vital for us. Embracing forgiveness allows us to grow as couples and individuals, overcoming conflicts and emerging stronger in love. We are called to hold onto grace, not only toward our husbands but also to ourselves, fostering an environment where we can learn from mistakes and develop together as partners in Christ.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13-14
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:13-14
Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on obeying our husbands, let us remember the essence of love, respect, and support that God designed within marriage. Each of us holds a unique role in fostering an atmosphere of unity and understanding. By embracing submission not as a negative term, but rather as a loving choice, we instill blessings in our homes and relationships. Let’s support each other in our commitments as wives, recognizing that our obedience is a crucial part of a thriving partnership.
As we navigate our roles within marriage, may we always lean into the teachings of the Bible, allowing our faith to guide us. In doing so, we can create households that reflect God’s love, grace, and harmony. Together, let us cultivate relationships where forgiveness is natural, and growth is welcomed for the glory of the Lord.
If you want to explore more topics on marriage, consider reading about keeping God at the center or about leaving family after marriage.