Navigating Gender Roles in a Christian RelationshipSample

Day 3: Biblical Gender Roles, pt. 2

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

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 Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. - Ephesians 5:21-33

Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. - 1 Peter 3:1-7

Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husband so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self,the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. - 1 Peter 3:1-7

Two more key passages about gender roles in the Bible are Ephesians 5:21-33 and 1 Peter 3:1-7. Let’s break them down to better understand how to navigate gender roles in a Christian relationship.

Ephesians 5:21-33

This passage gives insight into gender roles in Christianity. Verse 21 sets the stage with a call to mutual submission. The following verses speak to wives and husbands specifically, with wives encouraged to submit to their husbands as the head of the household and husbands commanded to love their wives as Christ loved the church. What is emphasized here is the mutual love, respect, and submission Christian relationships require.

This passage is a controversial one because some interpret it as endorsing unequal roles within marriage. But the truth is that the Bible calls for equal submission — however, men and women submit differently. Husbands are called to love their wives deeply, sacrificing for them just as Christ did for the church, while wives are encouraged to support and respect their husbands.

When both partners look out for each other, they build a balanced relationship. This way, both husbands and wives feel valued and cared for.

1 Peter 3:1-7

This passage is similar to Ephesians 5 in that it discusses the relationship between husbands and wives. It urges wives to submit to their husbands and husbands to be considerate and respectful toward their wives, treating them as equals.

The term "submit" here doesn't imply inferiority but rather a willing cooperation and support. Wives are encouraged to exhibit pure and respectful behavior, potentially influencing their husbands positively through their actions. For husbands, being considerate and respectful entails understanding their wives' needs and treating them with honor. The passage also underlines that men and women are co-heirs of the grace of life, reinforcing their equal standing before God.

Apply These Principles

In both passages, the Bible teaches that marriages should be based on mutual respect and love. For wives, this means showing respect and support for their husbands. For husbands, it means loving their wives deeply and treating them with kindness and respect. When both partners follow these principles, they create a loving and supportive relationship that honors God.

Practically, this might involve supporting each other's career choices, spending quality time together, and actively listening to one another's concerns. It’s about forming a partnership where both partners feel recognized and cherished. By applying these biblical principles, you can cultivate a strong, loving, and God-honoring marriage.