Our Faith/Ephesians 5

Question

"Wives submit to your husbands..."????

Answer

Hello, Emilie here! If you're reading this it is probably because you were a little taken aback by the second card in our wedding invitations with this verse from Ephesians 5. I hear you, it may seem "out there", especially if you do not have the same belief system as we do. Here is a secret... it was this verse in its entirety that helped me realize I wanted to get married. If you are on my side of the family, you know, Emilie is not one to submit to anything. I do what I want and I will not have anyone stepping on me! But, "submit to your husbands" doesn't mean "Wives, do everything your husband says/does/wants to do because he's better than you, smarter than you, and stronger than you and he takes superiority in the household." It means "Wives, assuming you have married a man you respect, trust, and love who cares for you well... continue to respect, trust, and serve (love) your husband as he submits to the will and guidance of God." The rest of this verse, the majority of this part of the Bible even, explains the command from God to husbands to love their wives as they love themselves. Sacrifice for and serve her. Make decisions with her benefit in mind. It becomes quite easy to trust and follow a husband's leadership and partnership where they must put you, and God, first and foremost. They must sacrifice themselves for you, and love you unconditionally, and in return they receive trust and respect. What is my point? We aren't crazy, old-fashioned, following outdated and oppressive ideals. Marriage is an equal partnership. Neither gives up their voice or their autonomy, but both sacrifice and work to "out-love" each other every day. That's the goal! That's what the mission of our marriage is.