How a Christian Wife Values Her Husband
Love and devotion are the foundations of a strong and lasting relationship. For a Christian wife, cherishing her husband goes beyond mere companionship – it’s a heartfelt commitment that reflects the essence of her faith. It’s about nurturing a relationship that reflects the love and grace of God.
Companionship. Christian wife’s role extends beyond mere companionship to becoming her husband’s confidante and friend. Rooted in the divine narrative, when God first placed Adam in the serene embrace of the Garden of Eden, He proclaimed, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him” (Genesis 2:18). While not necessarily partaking in every activity her husband engages in, a Christian wife is called to relish moments of togetherness, nurturing the cherished bond they share.
The willingness of a Christian wife to participate, even indirectly, in the passions of her husband helps to create an atmosphere of unity and understanding. The open-hearted interactions that transpire within this bond facilitate mutual growth, as aspirations, fears, and dreams are exchanged without reservation. Companionship serves as a steadfast anchor during life’s storms, offering solace, encouragement, and unwavering support.
Love. It constitutes a cardinal obligation for a Christian wife towards her husband. While Ephesians 5:33 emphasizes husbands’ duty to love their wives and wives’ responsibility to respect their husbands, misconceptions arise suggesting that a wife need not reciprocate love. Contrary to such notions, all adherents of the Christian faith are commanded to embrace love as a universal principle. This directive gains paramount significance within the institution of marriage. When a man and woman pledge their troth, their sacred vow to abide together until death’s parting epitomizes the profound essence of enduring love.
A lopsided affection or the absence of it within a marriage echoes as a profound tragedy. Echoing the divine example, where God’s boundless love led to the ultimate sacrifice of His Son, Christians draw strength from this truth, empowering them to love even amidst the harshest tribulations. A Christian wife, fortified by the Christ-like love that courses through her, wields the power to dissolve the most calloused of hearts (1 Peter 3:1). Thus, love, as emanated by a devoted Christian wife, stands as a beacon that illuminates even the darkest corners of existence.
In the tapestry of marital virtues, companionship and love are threads woven intricately, binding the hearts of a Christian wife and her husband. United by shared moments and nurtured by the divine love that transcends human understanding, their journey testifies to the profound beauty of a Christ-centered union.
Respect. The foundation of respect is indispensable for a wife’s role. The significance of this principle is illuminated by the Greek term employed by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:33, “phobētai,” denoting profound and reverential regard (BDAG, 1061).
Misinterpretations sometimes arise when contemplating the term “submit” within the context of Ephesians 5:21–24. Here, the Greek word employed by Paul, “hypotassó,” pertains to recognizing an ordered structure, whereby a wife’s respect should be directed toward her husband “as to the Lord” (BDAG, 1042; Eph. 5:22; also see Col. 3:18 and 1 Pet. 3:1–6). It’s imperative to note that if a husband’s directive contradicts a wife’s conscience, she is guided by the principle “must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29; 1 Cor. 8:12–13).
Support. A wife’s supportive role manifests diversely. Rejecting the confinement of gender-specific roles, Scripture champions the liberty of believers.
An invaluable dimension of a Christian wife’s support surfaces in the arena of counsel. Scriptural instances abound wherein women exhibited discernment and provided wise counsel to their husbands (e.g., Sarah in Gen. 21:12; Abigail in 1 Sam. 25:3; Pontius Pilate’s wife in Matt. 27:19). Concurrently, history records instances of misinformed advice (e.g., Eve in Gen. 3:6; Sarah in Gen. 16:2; Jezebel in 1 Kings 19:1–2). To bestow optimal guidance, a Christian wife endeavors to cultivate her knowledge of God’s Word and wisdom, enriching her capacity to counsel her husband in every circumstance (Prov. 31:10–31).
Dismantling the notion of a docile “yes-person,” a Christian wife’s role assumes greater import. Acknowledging her husband’s substantial responsibilities, she provides candid insights. Her transparent discourse safeguards him from potential pitfalls.
Devotion. The concept of devotion underscores the essence of a Christian wife’s commitment. This encompasses fidelity to marital vows, nurturing her husband’s emotional and physical well-being, interceding through prayer, and perpetually seeking his welfare. With unwavering ardor, a Christian wife actively supports her husband’s divine callings, embodying loyalty, reliability, and safeguarding his interests (Phil. 2:4). Her comportment, aligned with godly principles, simultaneously uplifts her husband’s stature.
Self-Respect. Within the framework of Christian matrimony, the concept of self-respect takes on profound significance, signifying the dignity and honor a wife bestows upon herself and her husband. Central to this notion is the unwavering expectation that mutual respect must prevail in all circumstances. It is an unequivocal truth that no circumstance warrants a husband inflicting physical or emotional harm upon his wife. The apostle Paul’s wisdom in this regard is crystal clear:
“Likewise, husbands, love your wives, as your own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.” (Ephesians 5:28–29)
When a Christian wife finds herself ensnared in an abusive marriage, a formidable course of action beckons. She must courageously reach out for assistance, drawing support from an extensive network of family, friends, legal authorities, and the guidance of a steadfast church community. The vitality of being part of a congregation that meticulously upholds God’s teachings and exercises diligent oversight over its members becomes acutely evident. Without exception, the narrative unequivocally underscores that no circumstance should permit a woman’s abuse. Remarkably, a Christian wife champions her husband’s spiritual growth by unwaveringly adhering to standards that facilitate his journey toward godliness.
Given the inherent imperfections of human nature, the path of Christian husbands and wives rarely traverses flawless execution of marital duties. Our aspirations rest not in our individual efforts, but rather in the impeccable labor of Christ on our behalf. Christian matrimony embodies an amalgam of joy, sacrifice, steadfast commitment, and boundless forgiveness. Our shortcomings, humbling in nature, steer us towards an unceasing reliance on divine guidance. In daily seeking divine intervention, we endeavor to love our partners to the glory of God, acknowledging that the pursuit of Christ-like love is a lifelong quest.