Five Pillars of Relationship EquitySample

Day 3 Devotional: First Pillar of Relationship Equity (Power Balance)

Do both husbands and wives have an equal voice in their relationship, or is one partner deemed more powerful based on gender? Let us challenge the notion that gender equals power. If we believe that gender determines strength, we essentially endorse the idea that one gender holds dominion over the other, potentially leading to an imbalance of power in relationships. However, the truth is that humans were created to have authority over everything except each other (English Standard Version Bible, 2016, Gen. 1:28). God intended for marriages to be founded on mutual respect and shared authority. Both the husband and wife are co-founders of their relationship, with the husband assuming the role of leadership for the sake of organization and order.

Power balance is a fundamental aspect of relationship equity. Every relationship has a "power dynamic," which refers to the ability to influence or control one's partner or the relationship itself. When power is unequally distributed, one partner may exert more control, make decisions that primarily benefit themselves, disregard their partner's needs or opinions, or engage in controlling or abusive behavior. This imbalance can foster resentment, frustration, and mistrust within the relationship.

Conversely, when power is balanced, both partners have an equal say in decision-making and possess a similar ability to shape the course of the relationship. Power balance fosters a sense of equity where each partner's needs and opinions hold equal value and are given due consideration.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before you to seek your guidance in maintaining a balanced and fair distribution of power in our relationship. Help us treat each other respectfully, giving equal weight to each other's opinions and needs. Grant us the wisdom to make decisions together, ensuring our love remains strong and our bond unbreakable. In your name we pray. Amen