Husbands and Wives

 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are members of His body. FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband (Ephesians 5:22-33 NAS95).

In our modern society, my guess is, the feminist movement probably struggles with these verses. However, let me point out that the burden of obedience seems equally difficult for husbands. 

The husband is called to love his wife just as Christ loved the church. Additionally, he is not only called to love his wife but also to be her spiritual leader. This is a huge responsibility. Only through a close walk with Christ will husbands come anywhere close to loving their wives as Christ loved the Church.

Thankfully, loving and leading your wife has its own built-in reward. So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. Much good comes from loving your wife, just as much good comes from Christ’s love for His church.

The one-flesh relationship is a beautiful thing. It reflects Christ's relationship with the church. Christ is purifying and sanctifying His church. He loves His church and died for it. And, when did He do that? When we were sinners, undeserving of His love.

Husbands, reflect Christ’s love to your wife. Fulfill your role as a spiritual leader. Make your wives' submission easier by having a gentle and kind way. Wives, teach your husbands how to submit to Christ by example. To both husbands and wives, remember, in a one-flesh relationship, when one suffers, both suffer.