Introduction
Marriage in Christianity is a divine institution, and being a Christian wife is a noble and fulfilling role expected of women who follow the faith. The principles for being a good Christian wife are rooted in the teachings of the Bible. In this article, we will explore five biblical principles that can guide you in becoming a good Christian wife and fostering a healthy relationship in your home.
- Submission and Respect
Ephesians 5:22-24 says, “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.”
Submission within a Christian marriage does not imply inferiority; rather, it is an expression of reverence and respect. A Christian wife is called to honor her husband’s leadership and embrace his God-given role as the head of the household. If one desires to be a good Christian wife, it is important to practice submission and demonstrate respect towards her husband.
It is disconcerting to witness situations where Christian women show honor and submission to pastors and colleagues at work, but fail to extend the same level of respect towards their husbands. This incongruity raises concerns. Women who prioritize honoring and submitting to others while neglecting their husbands should be cautious, as such behavior does not align with pleasing God.
Disrespecting one’s husband contradicts the commandments and teachings of God as a Christian wife. By disobeying or disregarding the authority of her husband, a woman is ultimately disobeying God’s design for marriage. It is important to understand that submission and respect towards one’s husband are integral aspects of fulfilling one’s Christian duties as a wife.
Therefore, a Christian wife should strive to cultivate an atmosphere of love, respect, and submission within her marriage. This involves valuing her husband’s leadership, seeking his input, and supporting his decisions. Submission does not mean relinquishing personal opinions or ideas, but rather, it entails honoring the role and authority that God has assigned to the husband.
- Love and Support
Titus 2:4-5 instructs, “Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands so that no one will malign the word of God.”
A good Christian wife should love her husband and children with no conditions. She should provide them with emotional support and help them grow in their faith. It’s important for her to remember that love should not be based on material possessions. Christian marriages should not be focused on material things. Unfortunately, in today’s society, we often see wives losing their love for their husbands because of material possessions or other men. Some Christian women may even see their support for their husbands, whether emotional or material, as something they do with expectations in return. It surprises me to hear a Christian woman say, “My husband, I’m lending you this money and you have to pay me back with interest.” This makes me question the true meaning of Christ Jesus in the marriage. Where is the unity that the Bible talks about, where two people become one? To be a good Christian wife, it’s important for a Christian woman to understand that she also needs to love and support her husband without conditions.
- Faithfulness and Commitment
Proverbs 31:10-12 describes the wife of noble character, saying, “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
A Christian wife is called to exemplify faithfulness and unwavering commitment to her husband and their marriage covenant. It is essential for a woman who desires to be a good Christian wife to prioritize faithfulness and remain loyal to her marriage vows. This means refraining from engaging in relationships or activities outside of the marriage that could undermine trust and compromise the sanctity of the marital union.
It is important to recognize that even if one believes their actions are hidden from the eyes of others, nothing is concealed from God. He sees all things, including the secret places of our hearts and actions. Therefore, a Christian wife should remember that her faithfulness is not just a matter of human accountability, but also a spiritual commitment to honor God’s commandments.
Commitment to the marriage covenant is a foundational principle that shapes the character of a good Christian wife. When a Christian wife demonstrates wholehearted commitment to her marriage, she opens the door for blessings and the fulfillment of God’s promises in her home. God honors and blesses marriages where both partners are faithful and committed to one another.
A faithful Christian wife understands that her commitment extends beyond the absence of physical infidelity. It encompasses emotional fidelity, trustworthiness, and steadfast support for her husband in all aspects of their relationship. She remains dedicated to nurturing the bond they share and upholding the values and principles they have agreed upon as a couple.
In challenging times, a Christian wife’s commitment is tested. However, she relies on her faith and the strength that comes from her relationship with God to persevere. Through prayer, seeking guidance from wise counsel, and relying on the support of her faith community, she finds the strength to honor her commitment and overcome obstacles.
A Christian wife’s faithfulness and commitment to her husband and marriage are essential qualities that reflect her dedication to God’s design for marital relationships. By remaining faithful and upholding her marriage vows, she creates a foundation for blessings and the fulfillment of God’s promises in her home. It is through her commitment that she demonstrates her role as a good Christian wife, fostering love, trust, and a lifelong partnership that honors God and brings joy and fulfillment to both herself and her husband.
Read also: What you need to know before go into marriage
- Kindness and Gentleness
Proverbs 31:26 states, “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
As a good Christian wife, it is important to embody kindness and gentleness in both our words and actions. The power of a gentle and loving approach should not be underestimated, as it has the ability to diffuse conflicts, foster harmony, and cultivate a nurturing environment within the family. For a woman who desires to be a good Christian wife, it is imperative to extend kindness to her husband, children, and those around her, allowing her light as a Christian wife to shine brightly.
Living a life of gentleness involves being slow to anger, quick to listen, and thoughtful in our words. It means choosing to prioritize understanding and empathy over judgment or harshness. By cultivating a spirit of gentleness, we create an atmosphere in which our loved ones feel valued, heard, and respected.
A good Christian wife understands the importance of showing kindness not only to her immediate family but also to others in her community and beyond. Through acts of compassion and generosity, she demonstrates her commitment to following Christ’s example and spreading love to those around her.
In addition to practicing kindness, a good Christian wife also recognizes the significance of listening more than speaking. By being attentive and giving others the space to express themselves, she fosters a sense of trust and open communication. This allows for deeper connections to be formed within the family unit and promotes healthy, meaningful relationships.
As a good Christian wife, it is essential to exemplify the virtues of kindness and gentleness in our daily interactions. By embracing these qualities, we contribute to the well-being and harmony of our families, and we reflect the love and grace of Christ in our lives. May we strive to live out these principles, allowing our words and actions to be a testament to our faith and a source of inspiration to those around us.
- Prayer and Spiritual Growth
1 Peter 3:1-2 advises, “Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your own husbands 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.”
A good Christian wife recognizes the importance of prioritizing her spiritual growth above all else. She understands that seeking God’s guidance through prayer and diligently studying His Word is essential for her personal relationship with Him. By nurturing her own faith, she becomes a powerful witness to her husband and those around her.
One of the key aspects of being a good Christian wife is never giving up on her husband. Instead, she demonstrates unwavering commitment by continually lifting him up in prayer. She intercedes on his behalf, seeking God’s blessings, protection, and wisdom for his life. Through prayer, she seeks the well-being and spiritual growth of her husband, trusting that God’s grace and transformative power will work in their marriage.
To be a good Christian wife, one must understand that the Word of God and prayer are indispensable spiritual tools. The Bible provides guidance, wisdom, and principles that can shape and strengthen the marital relationship. By studying and meditating on God’s Word, a Christian wife gains insight into how to love, respect, and support her husband in accordance with His divine plan.
Prayer functions as a direct conduit for communicating with God. A good Christian wife recognizes the power of prayer to bring about change, restoration, and healing in her marriage. She commits herself to regular, heartfelt prayer, seeking guidance, peace, and unity in her relationship with her husband. Through prayer, she invites God to be the foundation and center of their marriage, trusting in His faithfulness and provision.
Understanding the significance of the Word of God and prayer, a good Christian wife relies on these spiritual tools to navigate the journey of marriage. She understands that personal growth, both individually and as a couple, is intimately connected to her relationship with God. By cultivating a deep and vibrant spiritual life, she becomes equipped to face challenges, extend grace, and foster a loving, Christ-centered marriage.
Read also: what you need to know before go into marriage
Conclusion
Being a good Christian wife involves embracing biblical principles such as submission, love, faithfulness, kindness, and servant leadership. By following these principles and seeking God’s guidance, a Christian wife can contribute to the well-being of her family, strengthen her marriage, and fulfill God’s purpose for her life. May we all strive to be the wives God has called us to be, relying on His grace and wisdom every step of the way.
