Colossians – Week 7 – Day 4

READ 

Colossians 3:18-19 

18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.  

19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. 

Paul told how followers of Jesus reveal this in their marriage relationship. The word “submit” does not refer to inferiority but to rank. Military troops are not inferior to higher officers they rank under. Husbands are to “love” their wives. The word used for “love” is one that means “loving even when there is no response.” It is a love that originates with the will, not the emotions. Such a marital relationship is not possible in an abusive marriage; only in a Christian marriage will this work. 

REFLECT 

If you are married, is your Christianity reflected in your relationship with your spouse? Do others see your marriage as a picture of Christ and the Church, as the Bible says is its purpose?

RESPOND 

For those who object to rank in marriage, read 1 Corinthians 11:1-3 to see there is rank in the godhead. Read also Ephesians 5:31-33 that reveals what a Christian marriage should picture.