This passage is chocked full of tidbits of wisdom! It not only tells husbands and wives how to behave toward one another but also members of the church body. Husbands are to honor their wives. Wives are to be submissive to their husbands, not as a child is to a parent, but in honor and respect as head of the household, like Christ is the head of the Church. Members of the church body are to be united as one, with Christ as the head.

Husbands and wives, as well as members of the church body, are to be like-minded, kindhearted, humble, and not to seek revenge, but to bless those who wrong us. As Christians, we are not to be contentious in our marriages nor in our dealings within the church body. We are not to seek revenge for slights, wrongs or even perceived wrongs in our marriage nor within the church body, we are turn these over to the Lord and He will take care of them. How often do we think or even say, “you just wait” when our spouse or someone does something that hurts our feelings,or someone in the church does something that offends us? Do we turn it over to the Lord, or do we file it away and wait for the opportunity for pay-back? How many blessings are we missing by holding on to a grudge?

Christ provided us with the perfect example of how to live in the world but not as the world. He showed us how to love even while being persecuted. He loved us so much that He died for us. Does our marriage reflect Christ’s love? Do our relationships with the members of the church body reflect Christ’s love for others?

Pray:

Adoration: God is holy, mighty, gracious, and merciful. Spend time declaring your love for Him and expressing your thoughts of praise and worship.

Confession: Ask God to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.

Thanksgiving: Express your thankfulness to God for the blessings He has given you. When we consider that we deserve punishment because of our sinfulness, and instead God gives to us His love and mercy, our only response should be one of thankfulness.

Supplication: Petition God for spiritual insight and understanding of His Word. Ask Him to help you know what is His direction and purpose for your life. Intercede for other believers, personal friends, those in ministry and those who are oppressed and in need. Offer prayers for your activities for this day and any special concerns you might have.