READING: Ephesians 5: 21-33

In these verses, Paul gives us the blueprint for Christian marriage. Its foundation is mutual submission (v. 21). Within that framework, there are roles for the husband and wife. This passage shows with absolute clarity that the responsibility for a good Christian Marriage rests with the husband. Just as the Church submits to Christ as its head, the wife should submit to her husband - as there can never be two captains in one boat (vs. 22-24). Such
submission is so powerful that it can win an unbelieving husband to Christ (I Peter 3: 1-2), so wives must take this responsibility very seriously.

The husband however, has the responsibility to love his wife as Christ loves the Church. He must recognise that Christ's love for the Church is tender, caring, longsuffering and sacrificial. As a result it washes and cleans the struggling Church till He presents her spotless to His Father. No matter what the cultural expectations and practice are - the husband must recognise that Christ's example transcends all these and he must strive to emulate this love in his relationship with his wife. The couple that heeds these instructions will experience an ideal Christian marriage that is without blemish, holy and blameless (5:27).

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help every couple to build an ideal Christian marriage in Jesus name. Amen.