Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them (Col. 3:18-19).

Scripture never justifies dictatorial rule by one spouse, nor does it require the abandonment of personal dignity by another. Despite the controversies of our age over Scripture’s instruction, the Bible’s marital instructions are rooted in its core message – we are to embrace Christ’s grace and extend it to others.

Hearts open to that core message will recognize that God neither commends nor commands selfishness. When the prince of heaven gave his life to rescue us from our sin, he taught the glory of selfless sacrifice.

Wives who submit their personal gifts to the support of their husbands, and husbands who sacrifice personal gain for the benefit of their wives, are living the grace that Jesus died to reveal.

The Bible never defines love as using another for personal benefit, but as using one’s blessings to bless another despite their undeserving or past offense.

When we discover the grace that the God of all power and authority sacrificially extended to his loved ones, then we begin to discern our mission to reflect that same heart to our loved ones.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for your gracious care through your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me today to turn away from selfishness, or from holding onto past offense, in order to display Jesus to my loved ones. Help me love as he loves me.