Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Mutual Respect and Roles in Family Life 

Bible Reading:  Ephesians 5:22-25 

Key verse :V 24:Therefore, just as the Church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

DEVOTION

The family is the foundational unit of society. As Christians, the way we live within our families can significantly impact not only our own lives but also the world around us. Apostle Paul has just mentioned the importance of mutual submission between all believers in verse 21. Today’s Bible portion, Ephesians 5:22–25, speaks about the roles and responsibilities within the family, particularly in the relationship between husbands and wives. God has ordained marriage to be a covenant relationship that reflects the love between Christ and His Church. 
Apostle Paul explains how Christian husbands and wives should apply their understanding of salvation within their marriage. In Verse 22, wives are commanded to submit to their husbands as they would to Christ and show them respect. In verse 25, the focus shifts to husbands: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." The standard set for husbands is one of self-sacrificial love. It is not a call to dominate, but to lead in love, prioritizing the well-being and spiritual growth of their wives. In the same way that Christ loved the church sacrificially, husbands are called to love their wives, creating an environment where mutual respect thrives. 
Ultimately, the passage in Ephesians calls both husbands and wives to reflect Christ in their relationship. When husbands love their wives sacrificially and wives submit and respect their husbands as unto the Lord, the family becomes a living testimony of God’s love to the world. This Christ-centered approach can transform not only marriages but also communities, as others see the light of Christ shining through the relationships in the home. Parenting is another crucial part of family life. Proverbs 22:6 instructs parents to train up their children the way they should go, instilling godly values and principles from an early age. Moreover, the Bible emphasizes the importance of spending quality time together as a family, cultivating a loving and respectful relationship between spouses, and prioritizing the spiritual and moral development of children.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, We come before you as a family. Help us to love, submit, and respect one another. Lord, give us grace to glorify your name through our family life. In Jesus’ name. Amen 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“The Christian family is missionary, it announces the love of God to the world.” Pope Francis 


Glory Chacko 
Epiphany Mar Thoma Church, New York

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