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
THE CHALLENGE TO LOVE
There is no question as to the fact that Paul placed a tremendous amount of emphasis on the part of the husband, in working out family relationships. The challenge was emphasized one last time in his concluding words on this subject of marital relationship. The husband is enjoined to “love his own wife as himself”.
THE CHALLENGE TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATE RESPONSE
If indeed, the husband would make such efforts to rescue, restore and improve relationships in the family, what would be the appropriate responses expected by the wife? Surely she must be expected to make an equally important response?
1. Submission- the first word
Paul’s admonition to the wife, right at the beginning of this discussion, was to practise “submission” (Cf. Ephesians 5:22). This submission must come from the heart. It must be given with true sincerity.
2. Respect- the second word
The word “respect” (“phobetai”) is most interesting to study.
a) The word “respect” may not be the most effective word used.
b) The lexical idea.
i) The word “phoebetai” comes from the root “phobeomai”.
ii) This word may actually be translated “fear”.
iii) This word is used to describe one’s “fear” for the Lord.
c) The applied meaning.
i) There must be a sense of deep respect, or even reverence.
ii) The heart of the wife must have a very high sense of regard for her husband.
iii) She will not dismiss casually the efforts of the husband to express love.
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS AND MATURITY
Paul knew that no matter how much he wrote, in the ultimate analysis, the marriage will work only if both parties put in a lot of effort to salvage and strengthen the relationship between them. All are admonished to ponder marriage in the light of strong Scriptural injunctions. Only the conscientious and the mature Christians will be able to weather the many storms of life that threaten even the married state.