2015 Volume Two

husbands.” (Eph. 5:22).
She submits because it pleases
the Lord and gives proof of her
obedience to God. This doesn’t
mean the husband is a dominant,
selfi sh and unreasonable tyrant
demanding her to jump when
he say jump with no questions
asked.
“In the same way you married
men should live considerately
with your wives, with an intelligent
recognition of the marriage
relation, honoring the woman
as physically-the weaker, but
realizing that you are joint heirs
of the grace (God’s unmerited
favor) of life, in order that your
prayers may not hindered and
cut off. Otherwise you cannot
pray effectively.” (I Peter 3:7)
Men must not use submission
as an avenue to be abusive and
attempt to control his wife. It’s not
about stripping her of her selfesteem
and self-image. Neither
is it for him to belittle and treat
her as if she is his property. Such
actions doesn’t show evidence of
his love and respect for her. This
marks him as a liability rather
than asset to the marriage. This
is not loving her as Christ loves
the church.
Although, every marriage has its
own personal issues, submission
isn’t a matter of convince, nor
should the husband expect her
to submit whether he’s worthy
of it or not. She is to submit to
what is holy and lawful under
the jurisdiction of the Lord. If his
actions, attitude and behavior
and the means in which he acts
towards her isn’t in alignment
with the word of God, she is
under no obligation to submit to
such authority.
“For the eyes of the Lord are
upon the righteous (those who
are upright and in fi ght standing
with God), and His ears are
attentive to their prayer. But the
face of the Lord is against those
who practice evil; to oppose
them, to frustrate, and defeat
them. “ (I Peter 3:12).
If his leadership causes physical,
emotional and mental anguish
to his wife, he has moved out of
the bounds of being a husband
who is providing comfort, trust,
security and love. This is why it’s
imperative for husbands to follow
God’s example in submission.
God was never mean or harsh
to the Church. He loved the
Church. He gave His only Son as
an ultimate sacrifi ce for mankind
to become the righteousness of
God.
When a Christian husband
practice being a dictator and
come before the Lord in prayer,
their prayers are ineffective. He
relinquish his right for the Lord
to answer their prayers. True
submission is to show mutually
respect and love. Husband
and wives must be willing to
yield themselves to the Lord
and practice living together
harmoniously through the
means of nurturing and caring
for each other. This requires
characteristic of:
• Selfl ess love ~ put the concern
of your spouse before your own
~ before acting, asking yourself;
“How will this action or decision
affect my spouse?”
• Having a positive disposition ~
being governed by what’s good,
just and right ~ refusing to be
infected by what is negative and
contrary to biblical principles
• Being Respectful ~ holding
your spouse in the highest
esteem while assuring him/her
of your faithfulness, commitment
and love
• Having a tender heart ~ showing
mercy instead of judgment ~
being compassionate, full of
empathy and God’s grace
• Humility ~ Not using your
authority to assert lordship ~
Being Meek not arrogant and
prideful
When they take their rightful
place and love like Christ love the
church, submission will always
be beautiful and enriching for
both husband and wife will be
sensitive and understanding of
their spouse’s feelings.
“Husbands, love your wives, as
Christ loved the church and gave
His life up for her.” (Eph. 5:25)
The husband recognizes her as
his equal, the one who completes
him. He reassures her that he
will provide, protect and serve
her and is willing to lie down
his life for her. She in return,
gently touches and agrees with
him through her readiness to
honor and respect him, affi rming
his position as headship. They
both consistently look to God
to guide them, coming together
in worship and praise, giving
of thanks, praying and relying
wholeheartedly on the Holy Spirit
to take them from glory to glory.
End Notes:
1). Strong’s Greek Lexicon
Concordance Search Results