After growing in Christian identity and lifestyle, Christians should establish a family. The Christian family is distinct from other families because they submit to each other out of reverence for Christ.

A Christian wife respects her husband as to the Lord. As wives deny themselves willingly to support their husbands' decisions, families are built up in Christ. This is not blind obedience. She trusts God and prays that he will help her husband to make the right decisions. Through her Christlike obedience, God is glorified and the husband is strengthened by his wife's humble support.

Christian husbands ought to love their wives as themselves and give themselves up for their wives as Christ gave up himself for the church. Christian husbands protect their wives and build up their marriage as Christ guards and sanctifies the church. Then, the two are one in Christ, as Christ and the church are one. Thus, we must decide to love and respect and build up the family, following Christ's example. This leads to a true bond of love.


Application: Father, thank you for Jesus who sets us the perfect example of love and obedience. Please help godly husbands and wives to submit to each other out of reverence for Christ.
One Word: Love and respect as to the Lord