PROPER FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS DIRECTED BY SCRIPTURE

© 2014 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

Appropriate family structure is clearly defined in Scripture.

“For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body” (Ephesians 5:23).

Notice that not only does this give direction for authority structure in the family; it also serves as a beautiful picture of the relationship between Christ and the Church He redeemed.

Unfortunately there is a tendency for men to use this authority in a way that Christ did not. I have heard men belittle their wives and brag about the fact that their wives do what they are told … or else! This is not what Christ did!

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” (Ephesians 5:25)

Husbands: Do you give of yourself for the benefit of your wife? Do your children know how much you love her? Husbands are to honor their wives. Ultimately you are both directly accountable to God Himself.

“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered” (1 Peter 3:7).

Husbands are to uphold the authority of their wives over their children.

“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:” (Proverbs 1:8)

Fathers, be aware that if you undermine the respect of your children for their mother, they will not pay any attention to her when she tells them how worthy of their respect you are.

Mothers, be aware that if you undermine your husband’s authority by failing to honor and obey him as your head, your children will pay no attention to him when he commands them to respect you.

Christian spouses have an incredible opportunity to present the gospel of Christ, to the unsaved around them, by picturing it in their lives together. Just as Christ’s sacrificial love for His own brings about a response of obedience in those He saves, the husband’s love for his wife should be so overwhelming that it cultivates a response of obedient love in his wife. Even if she is not as obedient as she should be (husbands aren’t either), a husband must still love his wife, unconditionally, as Christ loved His Church.

 

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