1. Wives, submit to your husbands (21-24)

The mysterious relationship between Christ and his church is compared to the relationship between a husband and wife. Spiritual order in the family is important. A wife should respect and give in to her husband. However, each believer has a spiritual union with Christ. He is our Savior and true Husband. He is the Lord of our lives.

2. Husbands, love your wives (25-33)

It is not hard for a wife to submit to a husband who loves her as Christ loved the church. Christ gave himself up for the church; he died to make her pure. He loves her as his own body. His union with her is holy, pure and permanent. We know Christ loves us, so we joyfully submit to him. We are cleansed by the word of God (Jn 15:3). Husbands must love their wives as they love themselves. All of us must be filled with the Spirit and submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (21).

Application: Lord, thank you for Jesus, my true Husband. Grant spiritual order in our homes and in our church.
One Word: Reverence Christ as Lord; submit to one another.