25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[a] her by the washing with water through the word, – Ephesians 5:25 – 26

In yesterday’s passage wives were told to submit to their husbands. That passage alone has caused many questions and discussions over what it means for a woman to submit to her husband. 

In today’s passage though, we get a bit more context for the command to wives. You see, husbands also have a responsibility – to submit to their wives. 

Although the word “submit” is not used, the responsibility of the husband is likened to loving wives as Christ loved the church. Jesus gave his life for the church. It is this other person centredness that husbands are called to in regard to their wives. It is this mutual giving of ourselves that characterises marriage under God.  

In practice it is hard not to be constantly selfish and trying to think of what I get out of any given situation. This is true of not only the marriage relationship, but most relationships we find ourselves in. Maybe today spend some time asking God to help you put others first, as Christ put the church first. 

Vicki Meehan -Creek Road Campus