Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21
Comment
Jack and Jill are married and they work together. Jack was called last week and invited to be part of a church team to go to Tunisia for a week to help serve the refugees crossing from Libya. Jack likes a bit of adventure and wanted to go.
He mentions it to Jill and watches the colour drain from her face. She says, “I think you need to pray about it.” The warning bells ring. Over the next days he prays and realises it is a question of: have an adventure or submit his desire to the needs of Jill.
Jack turns down the “opportunity of a life time.” Jill responds in a way that pleases and surprises Jack very much. She says she feels loved and makes this very clear. Intimacy is deepened to a new level.
We feel loved when partners put us first. God is faithful, when we submit to one another out of reverence to Christ our relationship benefits big time.
What parts of your life need to be submitted? Where do you need to say “no” so that you can support your partner?
Prayer (as a couple)
Dear Lord, Give me your eyes and ears to see and hear where I need to submit my desires to the needs of _____. Nudge me through your word and through the Holy Spirit and may the action I take please you. Amen
Prayer (for others)
Dear Lord, We lift up _____ and _____ to you. Help them to know each other’s needs and to recognise when to put the other’s needs first. Help them to submit to one another out of reverence to Christ and please bless their relationship as a result. Amen.
Final quote
“The obedience of Jesus is not simply submission, but real striving, cooperation, activity.” John J Vincent, Methodist industrial missioner
