The most difficult thing to do in pre-marital counselling is to have couples understand submission. The word submission has become a very emotional word for many people. Often, we resist submitting our lives to one another because we fear we will be hurt or let down. However, when we follow God’s plan for submission, the result is not low self-esteem, as some would have us believe. Instead, it is an increased love for our partner and the Lord. Jesus Christ is our model for godly submission. He submitted His life to God’s plan to the point of enduring death on the cross. He trusted the Father and brought glory to God and salvation to the world.
When we obey God’s commands and base our relationships on His Word, our lives are transformed, and our marriages and relationships are strengthened. We learn to love one another the way Jesus loves us. When in Christ, submission no longer is an issue to be debated, it is a natural thing to do. Paul writes: As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another, if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Today, do you honour your spouse or the one you are in a relationship with as yourself? Is your desire to give love and support, rather than to tear down? When we honour one another with love, we really are honouring God.
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for modelling submission and trust in the Father. Lord, I submit to your will for my life and my relationships, remembering both God’s love for me and my family submitting to your perfect wisdom and love. In Christ’s name. Amen.
