Faith Filled Family 2015 Issue 2 | Page 12

husbands.” (Eph. 5:22). She submits because it pleases the Lord and gives proof of her obedience to God. This doesn’t mean the husband is a dominant, selfish and unreasonable tyrant demanding her to jump when he say jump with no questions asked. “In the same way you married men should live considerately with your wives, with an intelligent recognition of the marriage relation, honoring the woman as physically-the weaker, but realizing that you are joint heirs of the grace (God’s unmerited favor) of life, in order that your prayers may not hindered and cut off. Otherwise you cannot pray effectively.” (I Peter 3:7) Men must not use submission as an avenue to be abusive and attempt to control his wife. It’s not about stripping her of her selfesteem and self-image. Neither is it for him to belittle and treat her as if she is his property. Such actions doesn’t show evidence of his love and respect for her. This marks him as a liability rather than asset to the marriage. This is not loving her as Christ loves the church. such authority. “For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (those who are upright and in fight standing with God), and His ears are attentive to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who practice evil; to oppose them, to frustrate, and defeat them. “ (I Peter 3:12). If his leadership causes physical, emotional and mental anguish to his wife, he has moved out of the bounds of being a husband who is providing comfort, trust, security and love. This is why it’s imperative for husbands to follow God’s example in submission. God was never mean or harsh to the Church. He loved the Church. He gave His only Son as an ultimate sacrifice for mankind to become the righteousness of God. When a Christian husband practice being a dictator and come before the Lord in prayer, their prayers are ineffective. He relinquish his right for the Lord to answer their prayers. True submission is to show mutually respect and love. Husband and wives must be willing to yield themselves to the Lord and practice living together harmoniously through the means of nurturing and caring for each other. This requires characteristic of: infected by what is negative and contrary to biblical principles • Being Respectful ~ holding your spouse in the highest esteem while assuring him/her of your faithfulness, commitment and love • Having a tender heart ~ showing mercy instead of judgment ~ being compassionate, full of empathy and God’s grace • Humility ~ Not using your authority to assert lordship ~ Being Meek not arrogant and prideful When they take their rightful place and love like Christ love the church, submission will always be beautiful and enriching for both husband and wife will be sensitive and understanding of their spouse’s feelings. “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave His life up for her.” (Eph. 5:25) The husband recognizes her as his equal, the one who completes him. He reassures her that he will provide, protect and serve her and is willing to lie down his life for her. She in return, gently touches and agrees with him through her readiness to honor and respect him, affirming his position as headship. They Although, every marriage has its both consistently look to God own personal issues, submis