What Does Jesus Say About Husbands and Wives?

When it comes to relationships, especially marriage, Jesus’ teachings offer profound insights.

If you’re married or considering marriage, understanding what Jesus says about husbands and wives can enrich your relationship and provide a solid foundation.

What Does Jesus Say About Husbands and Wives

The Foundation of Marriage

Jesus’ perspective on marriage is deeply rooted in love, respect, and commitment.

He often referred to marriage as a divine union. In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus says:

“Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Key Points from Jesus’ Teachings on Marriage:

Unity: Marriage is more than a partnership; it’s a union where two individuals become one.
Divine Connection: The bond between husband and wife is sacred, orchestrated by God.
Indissolubility: Jesus emphasized the permanence of marriage, suggesting that it’s not meant to be easily broken.

Roles of Husbands and Wives

In discussing the roles within marriage, Jesus and other biblical authors provided guidance that has shaped Christian views on marital relationships.

Understanding these roles can help you foster a harmonious and fulfilling marriage.

For Husbands

#1. Love Your Wives:

One of the most significant instructions to husbands is to love their wives.

In Ephesians 5:25, Paul echoes Jesus’ sentiment, saying:

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

Self-Sacrificial Love: Husbands are called to love their wives selflessly and sacrificially, just as Jesus loved the church.
- Emotional and Physical Care: This love isn’t just emotional; it involves caring for your wife’s needs and well-being.

#2. Leadership Through Service:

Jesus’ model of leadership is one of serving others. In Mark 10:45, He says:

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Servant Leadership: Husbands are encouraged to lead by serving, putting their wives’ needs above their own.
- Mutual Respect: This leadership should be rooted in respect and understanding, not dominance.

For Wives

#1. Respect and Support:

Wives are called to respect and support their husbands.

In Ephesians 5:33, it’s stated:

“However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”

Respectful Partnership: Respect is foundational in creating a strong partnership where both spouses feel valued.
- Supportive Role: Supporting your husband doesn’t mean losing your identity but rather being a source of strength and encouragement.

Equality and Submission

The concept of submission in the Bible often raises questions, but it’s crucial to understand it in the context of mutual love and respect.

Ephesians 5:22 says:

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.”

Voluntary Submission: Submission here refers to willingly respecting your husband’s role in the relationship, which aligns with the idea of mutual respect and cooperation.
- Equal in Worth: It’s essential to recognize that submission doesn’t imply inferiority.
- Both husbands and wives are equal in worth and dignity.

The Balance of Love and Respect

Jesus’ teachings highlight a balance between love and respect within marriage.

Husbands and wives are called to treat each other with a profound sense of love and mutual respect, creating a relationship where both individuals thrive.

Practical Steps to Foster Love and Respect

#1. Effective Communication:

Open, honest, and respectful communication is the cornerstone of a healthy marriage.

Listen Actively: Ensure you’re listening to understand, not just to respond.
- Express Appreciation: Regularly acknowledge and appreciate each other’s efforts and qualities.

#2. Quality Time: Spend time together to strengthen your bond.

Shared Activities: Engage in activities you both enjoy.
- Meaningful Conversations: Go beyond daily routines and discuss your dreams, aspirations, and concerns.

#3. Support Each Other’s Growth: Encourage and support each other’s personal and spiritual growth.

Shared Goals: Work towards common goals and support each other’s individual ambitions.
- Pray Together: Incorporate prayer and spiritual practices into your daily life.

#4. Conflict Resolution: Handle disagreements with patience and a willingness to understand each other’s perspectives.

Stay Calm: Approach conflicts calmly without resorting to hurtful words or actions.
- Seek Solutions: Focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

Marriage as a Reflection of Christ’s Love

Jesus’ teachings on marriage reflect a profound vision of love, respect, and commitment.

By embracing these principles, husbands and wives can build a relationship that not only withstands challenges but also flourishes and serves as a testament to Christ’s love.

Final Thoughts

Remember, marriage is a journey of two imperfect people striving to support and love each other.

Embracing Jesus’ teachings on marriage can guide you towards a fulfilling and enduring relationship.

Reflect on these principles regularly, and let them shape your approach to being a loving and supportive partner.

If you have any thoughts or questions about what Jesus says about husbands and wives, feel free to share them in the comments below.

Let’s continue this conversation and grow together in understanding and love.

FAQs on What Jesus Says About Husbands and Wives

What did Jesus say about the purpose of marriage?

Jesus emphasized that marriage is a sacred union designed by God.

In Matthew 19:4-6, He explained that marriage is the joining of a man and a woman into one flesh, signifying unity, commitment, and a lifelong bond that should not be easily broken.

How should husbands love their wives according to Jesus’ teachings?

Husbands are called to love their wives selflessly and sacrificially, much like Christ loved the church.

This means prioritizing their wives’ well-being, showing affection, and providing emotional and physical support, as highlighted in Ephesians 5:25.

What does it mean for wives to submit to their husbands?

Submission in this context is about mutual respect and cooperation.

It’s a voluntary act where a wife respects and supports her husband’s role in the marriage.

This does not imply inferiority or inequality but rather a harmonious partnership, as explained in Ephesians 5:22.

What roles do husbands and wives have in a Christian marriage?

Husbands are expected to lead their families with love, care, and service, emulating Christ’s leadership through service and sacrifice.
Wives are encouraged to respect and support their husbands, fostering a cooperative and loving partnership.

How can couples maintain love and respect in their marriage?

Maintaining love and respect involves:

Effective Communication: Open and honest discussions about feelings, needs, and concerns.
Quality Time: Spending time together to strengthen the emotional bond.
Mutual Support: Encouraging each other’s personal and spiritual growth.
Conflict Resolution: Handling disagreements with patience and understanding.

Why is mutual respect important in marriage?

Mutual respect ensures that both partners feel valued and heard.

It creates a healthy and supportive environment where each person’s opinions and feelings are considered, fostering a stronger and more balanced relationship.

How does Jesus’ model of servant leadership apply to husbands?

Jesus taught that true leadership is about serving others.

For husbands, this means leading their families with humility, putting their wives’ and children’s needs first, and showing love and care in every action, as demonstrated in Mark 10:45.

What should couples do if they encounter difficulties in their marriage?

Couples should approach difficulties with a willingness to listen and understand each other.

Seeking solutions together, maintaining open communication, and possibly seeking guidance from trusted advisors or counselors can help resolve issues constructively.

Is the concept of submission relevant in modern marriages?

Yes, but it’s essential to understand submission in its biblical context—mutual respect and voluntary cooperation.

It’s about creating a balanced partnership where both spouses support and honor each other’s roles, rather than one dominating the other.

How can Jesus’ teachings on marriage impact modern relationships?

Jesus’ teachings provide a framework for love, respect, and commitment that can strengthen modern relationships.

By focusing on selfless love, mutual respect, and unity, couples can build enduring and fulfilling marriages that reflect Christ’s love.

Feel free to reach out with any other questions or comments. We’re here to help you navigate and enrich your marital journey according to Jesus’ teachings.