God is the One who created the man and the woman (Gen. 1:26-27). He made Adam and Eve for each other and joined them in marriage (Gen. 2:21-24). In our time, it is significant to note that He did not make two men or two women, but a one man for one woman! Since God instituted the marriage relationship, He is the One Who has the right to regulate it.

When writing about Christ and the church, Paul illustrated that relationship with marriage. He said the wife is to submit to her husband, as the church does to Christ (Eph. 5:22-24). He also said the husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her (Eph. 5:25-31). Contrary to modern thought, these commands do not make a man a tyrant in the home any more than Christ is in the church. Too, the woman is not diminished by her submission to her husband any more than the church is by its submission to Christ. The husband is not a dictator and the wife is not a doormat. Rather, the biblical relationship of the husband and wife is a great blessing to them, their family and society as a whole.

Husband and wife are to consider each other; putting the other before themselves, seeking to satisfy each others needs and wants. Many think this deals with material things and end up miserable. The Bible says the chief duty of the husband is to "nourish" and "cherish" his wife (Eph. 5:29). The main focus of the wife is to follow her husband's lead, but not at the expense of loyalty to Christ (Col. 3:18). If men and women would follow these simple precepts, their marriages would be much better.

Submitting to God improves a marriage. It will also save your soul (Heb. 5:9). The best thing a husband or wife can do is become a Christian. To do this you must believe in Christ, repent of your sins, confess Christ and be baptized to have your sins washed away (Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 2:38). After this, continue to apply the gospel in your life and God will bless you.

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