You're referring to the principle of wives respecting their husbands, which is also a biblical command. In Ephesians 5:33-33, it says:
"However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."
In this context, the Bible teaches that just as Christ loved and gave Himself up for the church (His bride), husbands are to love their wives in a similar way. And conversely, wives are instructed to respect their husbands.
Respecting one's husband means to esteem him highly, to have a high opinion of him, and to value his thoughts, feelings, and decisions. It involves honoring and obeying him, even when you disagree or don't understand each other.
In the same way that Christ's love for the church is unconditional and unwavering, husbands are to love their wives without condition, and wives are to respect them in a similar manner. This principle of mutual submission and respect is key to building strong, healthy marriages.
What do you think about this principle? How do you practice respecting your husband?
Another great one!
The verse you're referring to is Ephesians 5:25-33 (KJV), which says:
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord doth the church: For we are members of his body, fashioned to him-ward in all respects. Wherefore arm yourselves likewise with the same armour wherewith ye have a reason to withstand the wiles of the devil.
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
And then verse 28 says specifically:
"So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself."
This passage is often referred to as a "love command" for husbands, emphasizing the importance of loving one's wife with a selfless and sacrificial love, just as Christ loved the church.
The phrase "be not bitter against them" is not explicitly stated in this passage, but it can be inferred from the overall tone of the text. The emphasis on loving one's wife as oneself and nourishing her like one would one's own body suggests a deep sense of care, concern, and affection, rather than bitterness or resentment.
In fact, throughout Scripture, God emphasizes the importance of mutual love and respect between husbands and wives (e.g., 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Colossians 3:18-19).
You're referencing Ephesians 5:25-33!
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her..." (NKJV)
In this passage, Paul is using the relationship between Christ and the Church to illustrate the husband's role in his marriage. He's saying that a husband should sacrificially love his wife, just as Jesus loves the Church.
Some key takeaways from this verse include:
1. **Sacrificial love**: Just as Jesus gave Himself up for the Church, husbands are called to put their wives' needs before their own.
2. **Unconditional acceptance**: Husbands are not to try to change or manipulate their wives, but rather accept them for who they are, just as God accepts us in Christ.
3. **Submission and partnership**: The verse also implies a mutual submission between husband and wife, where each partner submits to the other "in everything" (Ephesians 5:24), recognizing that they are equal partners in marriage.
What an incredible example of love and commitment from Jesus, which we can all learn from!
A great Bible verse!
"Husbands, love your wives" (Ephesians 5:25, NIV)
This verse is part of Paul's instructions to husbands in Ephesians 5:22-33. He reminds them that just as Christ loves and gives himself for the church, husbands should also love and give themselves for their wives.
In this context, "love" (Greek: agapao) means to unconditionally and selflessly cherish, prioritize, and care for one's wife, just as God has loved and provided for us. It's not just a feeling, but an action that requires effort and commitment.
This verse is often contrasted with the earlier instruction in Ephesians 5:21, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." While wives are encouraged to submit to their husbands' loving leadership (not vice versa!), this verse emphasizes the husband's responsibility to love and serve his wife, rather than demanding submission from her.
In practical terms, this means:
1. Prioritizing your wife's needs and concerns.
2. Showing appreciation and gratitude for who she is.
3. Being patient and understanding when she struggles or makes mistakes.
4. Communicating openly and honestly with her.
5. Making sacrifices and compromises to benefit your marriage and family.
By loving his wife in this way, a husband can demonstrate God's love and reflect the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27).
You're referencing Ephesians 5:25-33, which says:
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself."
In this passage, Paul is using a metaphor to describe the relationship between Christ and the church, and then applying it to the marriage relationship between husband and wife. Just as Jesus gave himself up for the sake of the church, sacrificing his life on the cross to redeem her, so too should husbands be willing to lay down their lives for their wives.
This passage teaches that a husband's love for his wife should be sacrificial, just like Christ's love for the church. This means putting your wife's needs and desires before your own, being willing to make sacrifices for her benefit, and treating her with respect, care, and devotion.
In practical terms, this might look like:
* Being willing to listen to your wife and have open communication
* Showing physical affection and intimacy
* Supporting your wife's goals and dreams
* Providing emotional support and encouragement
* Being faithful and committed to your marriage
Just as Christ's love for the church is a model for husbands to follow, so too should wives strive to be like the church - submissive, obedient, and loving towards their husbands.
The passage you're referring to is Ephesians 5:22-33, which says:
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of his body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing."
And then later in the same chapter:
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her... In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church—because we are members of his body. 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.'"
It's important to note that this passage is part of a larger discussion about marriage, love, and relationships within the Christian community. The apostle Paul is not establishing a hierarchical structure or condoning abuse, but rather providing guidance on how married couples can live in harmony with each other.
In the context of ancient Mediterranean culture, where women often had limited social and economic power, this passage was likely intended to promote mutual respect, submission, and love within marriage. The "submission" mentioned is not a one-way street; rather, it's a call for wives to trust their husbands and submit to their loving leadership, just as the church submits to Christ.
In modern times, some have interpreted this passage in ways that emphasize patriarchal authority or even justify domestic abuse. However, most Christian scholars and theologians today understand these passages within their broader cultural context and recognize the importance of mutual love, respect, and equality in marriage.
Ultimately, the goal of Ephesians 5 is to promote a beautiful, Christ-like relationship between husband and wife – one that reflects the self-giving, sacrificial love of Jesus for his church.
Ephesians 5 in the King James Version (KJV) is a significant passage that speaks to various aspects of Christian living, including relationships, morality, and worship. Here's a breakdown of the chapter:
**General Principles**
The chapter begins by emphasizing the importance of walking in love (v. 2), just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it (v. 25). This sets the tone for the rest of the chapter.
**Marriage and Relationships**
Verse 22-33 focuses on marriage, urging husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. The passage emphasizes mutual submission, with wives submitting to their husbands just as the church submits to Christ (v. 24).
The KJV translation uses the phrase "helpmeet" in verse 28, which has been interpreted in various ways over the centuries. In this context, it likely means a suitable or matching companion for one's spouse.
**Morality and Ethics**
Verses 3-14 describe the characteristics of light, darkness, and foolishness. Christians are instructed to walk as children of light, having no fellowship with unfruitful works (v. 11). The passage also warns against immorality, uncleanness, and covetousness.
**Worship and Spiritual Disciplines**
Verses 15-21 describe the importance of spiritual worship, encouraging believers to sing psalms and hymns to God, making melody in their hearts to Him (v. 19). The passage also emphasizes the value of giving thanks always for all things to God (v. 20).
**Conclusion**
The chapter concludes by emphasizing the believer's identity as children of light, called out from darkness into His marvelous light (v. 8-14). Christians are exhorted to walk in love, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it.
Overall, Ephesians 5 in the KJV provides valuable guidance on relationships, morality, worship, and spiritual disciplines, all centered around the theme of walking in love as Christ loved the church.
A beautiful and profound question!
"Ephesians 5:25-27 says, 'Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.' (NIV)
This passage is often referred to as the 'Love Command' in marriage. Here's what it means:
**Christ's love for the Church**: In this passage, Jesus Christ is used as an example of selfless love. Just as He gave His life for the Church, husbands are called to lay down their lives for their wives (Ephesians 5:25). This doesn't mean sacrificing one's own well-being or happiness, but rather, it means putting your wife's needs and interests above your own.
**Wife as the Church**: The church represents God's people, whom Jesus loved and gave Himself up for. In a similar way, husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church. This means:
1. **Sacrificial love**: Just as Jesus sacrificed His life for the church, husbands are called to sacrifice their own desires and interests for the good of their wives.
2. **Holiness**: Just as Jesus cleansed the church by washing it with water through the word (Ephesians 5:26), husbands are to help their wives grow in spiritual maturity and holiness through prayer, worship, and shared faith practices.
3. **Presenting her without blemish**: In the same way that Jesus presented a radiant, spotless church to Himself, husbands are called to present their wives to themselves as holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:27). This means honoring and respecting your wife's worth and dignity, even in the midst of imperfections.
**Key implications**:
1. **Selfless love**: Marriage is not about personal fulfillment or happiness; it's about sacrificially loving another person.
2. **Prioritizing your wife**: Your wife's needs and interests should take precedence over your own.
3. **Spiritual growth**: Husbands are called to support their wives' spiritual growth, just as Jesus did for the church.
**Practical applications**:
1. Put your wife's needs before your own.
2. Practice selfless acts of love and service towards your wife.
3. Support your wife's spiritual growth through prayer, worship, and shared faith practices.
4. Communicate openly and honestly with your wife, just as Jesus did with the church.
Remember, this passage is not a formula for marriage success or a list of dos and don'ts. Rather, it's an invitation to experience the transformative power of Christ-like love in your relationship.