Daily Devotional for Tuesday 1st October
The beauty of Godly relationships
Our passage today talks about the importance of submitting to one another out of respect for Christ. Verse 21 says, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” This verse reminds us that as Christians, we should be humble and willing to serve each other. Submission here doesn’t mean giving up our worth, but rather choosing to love and honour others just as Jesus did. When we submit to others in love, we reflect Christ’s heart and build solid and healthy relationships.
In verses 22-23, Paul gives an example of how this submission looks within a marriage. He writes, “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Saviour.” These verses focus on the unique roles within marriage, showing how wives are called to honour their husbands, just as they would honour Christ. However, this submission is rooted in love and mutual respect, not control or domination.
It’s important to understand that Paul is not saying that women are less valuable than men. In fact, he’s showing a picture of how marriage should work in harmony. Later in this chapter (verse 25), Paul tells husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, sacrificing for them. Both roles—submission and love—are about serving one another and putting the other person’s needs above your own.
In today’s culture, submission can be a problematic concept because people often think of it as giving up power. But in the Bible, submission is an act of love, humility, and strength. When we submit to one another, we are following Jesus’ example, who came to serve, not to be served. This kind of humility has the power to strengthen marriages, friendships and communities far and wide.
Time to reflect…
1. Do you think you serve others with humility, whether in your marriage, friendships, or work relationships?
2. How can I show more respect, love, and care to those around me, especially when it requires putting their needs before my own?
3. What steps can I take to see submission as a way to honour God and serve others rather than something that makes me feel powerless?
Pause to pray…
Dear God,
Thank You for showing me what real love and humility looks like through Jesus. Please help me to be humble and kind, treating others with love and respect. In my marriage or in my relationships, teach me to care for each other the way Jesus cares for the church. Help husbands to love their wives like Jesus loves us, and help wives to honour and support their husbands with love.
Fill me with Your Spirit so my relationships show Your love to the world.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
