June 21
"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior... Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her ... In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself." - Paul in Ephesians 5:21-28 (NIV)
June is an awesome time for beautiful weddings and a month when most are celebrated. Yet in an age of increasing divorce and tragic separations it is wise to look for ways to increase chances of success in marriages. While the passage above from Ephesians has tragically often been used to justify abusive behavior and patriarchal dominance, this is the exact opposite of what the apostle Paul was actually saying. In the Roman world women had few rights and were humiliated, beaten, cast off, and abused at the whims of their husbands. Paul is radical when he states: "Submit yourselves one to another out of reverence for Christ". Such dangerous declarations of gender equality in the Roman patriarchal culture put Paul at risk of being accused of violating the law. Yet Paul's advice is still one of the best we have, even today, for successful marriages. The principle of "mutual submission in Christ" is the key to maintaining good, long-lasting, happy relationships in all circumstances.
Submitting to another person is an often misunderstood concept. It does not mean becoming a doormat. Christ submitted his will to his Father, God, and we honor Christ by following his example. If we submit to God, we become more willing to obey Paul's advice to submit to others. Fortunately, when both husbands and wives submit themselves one to another in Christ, a foundation for a successful marriage is established that can weather the challenges of time and difficult circumstances. Yet when we also heed Paul's instructions to love our spouse as we love ourselves, then the joy, happiness, and ultimate success of our marriages increase dramatically. God wants marriages and healthy relationships to succeed -including yours! Don't give up if difficulties occur. Seek God for help and wisdom! Your relationships will blossom anew whether they are friendships, marriages, or family relationships.
Prayer: Lord, Thank you for wise advice in my life and wisdom so I can love as you wish bringing better relationships. Amen
Meditation For The Day: God's Love conquers all.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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