Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. – Ephesians 5:22
Understanding Submission
We understand submission in marriage as an act of love and respect towards our husbands, reflecting the relationship we have with the Lord. When we think about wives submitting to husbands, it is essential to remember that this isn’t about being less than or giving up our identity. Rather, it is about embracing the beautiful design God has for marriage. This partnership is a powerful example of unity where each has a role that supports the other. It calls for trust in God’s plan, knowing it brings strength and harmony to our relationship with our spouses.
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
“They are to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God may not be reviled.” – Titus 2:5
Ephesians 5:24
“Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.” – Ephesians 5:24
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
Mutual Respect in Marriage
In our marriages, respect is fundamental. When we focus on wives submitting to husbands, it’s important to remember that respect goes both ways. A husband’s role includes leading with love, understanding, and patience. As wives, we can encourage our husbands to lead well by demonstrating our love and trust in their decisions. This balance creates a partnership defined by mutual respect and admiration. Together, we can create a nurturing environment where both feel valued and heard.
Ephesians 5:33
“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
1 Peter 3:7
“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” – 1 Peter 3:7
Proverbs 31:10
“A wife of nobel character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” – Proverbs 31:10
1 Corinthians 11:3
“But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” – 1 Corinthians 11:3
Role of Trust in Submission
When discussing wives submitting to husbands, trust plays a vital role. We need to know we can trust our husbands to lead us with love, wisdom, and God’s guidance. This trust allows us to fulfill our roles as wives confidently. When we submit, we free ourselves from the worry of leading, allowing our husbands to step up in leadership. This dynamic creates strength in our marriage, instilling a sense of safety and security in love. As we practice trust, we reaffirm our commitment to one another and our faith in God’s plan for our lives.
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
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
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
Hebrews 13:17
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” – Hebrews 13:17
The Blessings of Submission
We often overlook the blessings that come from understanding what it means for wives to submit to husbands. This practice is more than a biblical command; it brings about a sense of peace and harmony within the home. By aligning ourselves with God’s design for marriage, we open ourselves to the reward of a loving and supportive relationship. As we submit our hearts to our husbands in love, we create an environment where both can thrive spiritually and emotionally, allowing love to flourish.
Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 14:17
James 1:12
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
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
Psalm 128:3
“Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.” – Psalm 128:3
Living Out Submission
Living out submission in our marriages can be challenging yet deeply rewarding. It requires us to be intentional in our approach, seeking to honor God through our actions and decisions. When we demonstrate love and support, we are actively participating in submitting to our husbands. It’s not about forfeiting our voice but expressing our opinions in a loving, respectful manner. As we both engage in open communication, we create a relationship based on trust, love, and commitment to God and each other.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Proverbs 31:26
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” – Proverbs 31:26
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12
Seeking God’s Guidance
In all things, we should seek God’s guidance while understanding the principle of wives submitting to husbands. Prayer and scripture reading can help us align our hearts with God’s will. When we pray for our marriages, we open the door for the Holy Spirit to work through us. Seeking God’s wisdom allows us to embrace submission in love and service, leading to a fulfilling and joyful marriage. Our relationship can thrive when we rely on God’s direction, as He has a perfect plan for our union.
Psalms 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.” – Psalm 37:5
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3
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. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Isaiah 30:21
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” – Isaiah 30:21
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the biblical call for wives to submit to their husbands, let us remember that submission is not about inferiority but love and trust. We recognize that mutual respect and understanding are vital elements of a healthy marriage. When we embrace our roles as outlined in Scripture, we find strength and blessings in our relationships. Together, we can strive to honor God in our marriages, uplift our husbands, and create a loving environment in our homes. Let us continue to seek God’s guidance in every aspect of our lives, allowing His wisdom to shape our hearts and actions.
As we explore more about love and faith, I encourage you to look into other relevant topics, such as 1 Peter 3:1 and Ephesians 5:22.