By Canaan Chapman
Paul’s instructions to husbands and wives in Ephesians 5 challenge contemporary and traditional views alike. At its core, this passage is a call to mutual submission under Christ, reflecting His sacrificial love. Paul drew a parallel between a husband’s love for his wife and Christ’s love for the Church, emphasizing a love that is utterly selfless, purifying, and elevating.
The analogy doesn’t stop with husbands. Wives are called to respect and submit, not as to a master but to a loving partner, in a dance of mutual trust and support. This is counter-cultural both then and now; it’s not about dominance or subservience but about reflecting the self-giving love of Jesus.
For context if you want further reading, Genesis 2 reveals that from the beginning, partnership and equality were God’s design. Adam and Eve’s story emphasizes companionship and unity, and Paul reiterated this in Ephesians 5, urging us to imitate the original design within the renewal of Christ’s love. Colossians 3 further supports this call to love above all, binding everything together in perfect harmony. This love—Christ’s—transcends romantic feelings and embodies sacrificial action, fostering a deeper unity.
Take a moment to think about the best marriage relationships you know. To contrast, consider the hurting, broken, and failed marriages you know of or have direct experience with. For some reading today, this passage will be affirmation. I can imagine how for others, it’ll feel more like a gut punch and deep guilt.
In light of this, let’s consider our relationships. Are we willing to commit to the divine process shown in Ephesians 5, allowing God to shape our love into a masterpiece that mirrors Christ’s love for His Church?
Let’s ask ourselves: how do my relationships reflect Christ’s love and sacrifice? Can I nurture my relationships to be a testament to His sanctifying work in me, growing together in love?
Friends, we can humbly ask God for help to do what He’s asking us here. It’s amazing when you see people in beautiful, functional, and kingdom-advancing relationships in the way these verses describe. The great thing with God and His Word is that those who ask in prayer and faith, will receive (Matthew 21:22).
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