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
“LET EACH ONE OF YOU IN PARTICULAR”
What was Paul emphasizing as he made this concluding statement. Let us consider the following thoughts:-
1. Each one must make up his own mind
The family is essentially “nucleic”. There may be an “extended family” situation, but the challenge issued is to the individual husband to make up his mind concerning the advice that he had been given.
2. The phrase “in particular” (“kath hena”)
This phrase emphasizes even more definitely the need for this decision to be made by the individual. The husband must of his own volition make a definite decision as to how he would regard his wife.
3. Possible context of conflict in the family
The construction of this statement would suggest that the husband may be in two minds concerning his relationship to his wife. The following problems may have existed:-
a) The husband may have been struggling with feelings of hate (Cf. Ephesians 5:29).
b) He may have been struggling with a less than submissive wife (Cf. Ephesians 5:22).
c) He may be worn out because of many conflicts in his marital relationship.
4. Nevertheless, he is admonished to choose to love his wife
a) This choice is made in the light of instruction from the pen of the apostle Paul.
b) This choice is made with hope in the heart for a better relationship.
c) This choice is made with understanding of what the Scriptures teach.
d) This choice is made with great determination to improve his personal effort.
e) This choice must be made with the example of the Lord Jesus loving the Church in mind.
NO COERCION
Paul was fully aware, that even if it is the issue of affection within the context of marriage, no one can coerce another person to love another. Ultimately the decision must be made by the individual- in this case, the husband.