Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."
Text: Ephesians 5:33
A CONSISTENT WORD OF ADMONITION
Paul’s teaching on the subject of the relationship between the husband and wife was maintained consistently. In his epistle to the Colossians, he wrote:-
Wives, submit to your own husbands,
as is fitting in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives,
and do not be bitter toward them.
COLOSSIANS 3:18-19
1. A key issue – “submission”
Whether Paul was writing to Christian wives in Ephesus or Colosse, the issue of “submission” seems to have been the main challenge:-
a) It must have been very hard for some to practise submission.
b) Some may have strong reasons why submission would be difficult to practice.
i) Not all husbands are good to their wives.
ii) Not all husbands know how to play well their role as head of the family.
iii) Not all husbands are worthy of much respect because of poor behavior.
c) Nevertheless, there was no mistaking the strong apostolic admonition.
i) Submission is seen as “fitting”.
ii) Submission is a concept within the will of the Lord.
iii) Submission must be worked at till it is practised from the heart.
2. Another key issue- Love rather than bitterness
a) It may not have been easy to love some wives.
b) Some wives may cause their husbands reasons to be “bitter”.
i) Some may be poor at housekeeping.
ii) Some others may not be good as mothers.
iii) Still others may not be good companions to their husbands.
c) The admonition to all husbands remains the same.
i) Bitterness of feelings must not be entertained.
ii) Love for one’s spouse must be found somehow.
THE MARRIED STATE
Paul acknowledged that the married state is not easy. Nevertheless, being found in the married state, “submission” and “love” must be practised consciously.