Throughout the Bible, God intricately displays the roles of the family. From the husband to wife,
and the children, all play an important role in the household. Not one is more important than the
other, but each is designed to complement one another and embody Christ’s love for the church.
HUSBAND AND WIFE
The husband-and-wife relationship sets the tone of the household. This relationship sets an
example for children to follow. This is a sacrificial relationship. It is meant to display Christ’slove and sacrifice for the church. You must be selfless. Putting your spouse’s needs above your
own highlights the love and sacrifice of Christ.
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” –
Ephesians 5:25
The husband is the head of the household, with the wife under, and then the children. However,
for a household to function the way God intended, the husband must submit himself to God. If
the husband is not in full submission to Christ, the household will not thrive.
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 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.
Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in
every thing.” – Ephesians 5:22-24
Marriage requires faithfulness. We must be faithful to one another as God is faithful towards us.
Whether argument or disagreement, we are required to stand by one another through thick and
thin. God does not abandon us when we make mistakes, we should not abandon one another as
well. The Lord loves us unconditionally, and we must also display this love and example when it
comes to our spouses. We must stay committed to one another and honor our vows. Though the
world may not take it seriously, The Lord honors this covenant, and when it is broken, it greatly
displeases him.
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the
adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” – Hebrews 13:4
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two
will become one flesh.” – Ephesians 5:31
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one
separate.” – Matthew 19:6
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.” -Proverbs
18:22
Marriage is about partnership. Together, the husband and wife are partners in Christ and work
hand in hand to be a benefit to His kingdom. Where the husband is weak, the wife is strong, and
vice versa. Both the man and the woman are different in nature and complement one another
beautifully. The husband is meant to protect, lead, and support his household, while the wife
nurtures and takes care of the house and the children. When each is playing their role and is in
full submission to Christ, they cannot be shaken.
Many women or those who are new in faith, have the impression that they are not as important as
their husband. This is a very common misconception that comes from the verse in Genesis 2:18,
“[a]nd the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an helpmeet for him.” Because the Bible refers to the woman as a “helper” to the man, many believe she
is equivalent to a servant or a maid, but this is far from the truth! The original word for “helper”
in Hebrew is “ezer.” Not only does the Bible refer to the women as “ezer” but it also refers to
God in this way. When the Bible uses the word “ezer,” it is not referring to a servant or maid, it
is referring to a savior and a rescuer, like our Lord is to us. Women are meant to be strong where
their husband is weak. This sets a whole new perspective on the meaning of the word helper!
God cannot be belittled, so as a wife you should not feel inferior to be referred to as a “help
meet” or “helper.
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“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
“Nevertheless, in the Lord, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of
woman.” – 1 Corinthians 11:11
“And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help
meet for him.” – Genesis 2:18
PARENTING
As parents, you are given the responsibility to train up your child and instill in them the values
and teachings of Christ Jesus. But if the spousal structure is off balance, the rest of the family
structure will be as well. Children are a blessing from the Lord, and they should be loved and
cherished as God loves us. As parents, we must discipline our children, not out of anger or
annoyance, but to set them back on the right path. We cannot provoke our children to anger, but
be loving and compassionate towards them as the Lord is to us.
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn
from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your
children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you
lie down and when you get up.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you
desire.” – Proverbs 29:17
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” – Psalm 127
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and
instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4We must remember that children are new in their walk with Christ. They will have many
questions and be confused by many teachings. So, we must be patient and compassionate with
them. Children should, in turn, obey and listen to their parents so it may go well with them. Even
they, though young, have roles they must fulfill. Obedience is key for children. A defiant child
will create a chaotic and stressful household.
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God
is giving you.” – Exodus 20:12
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” –
Proverbs 1:8
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” – Colossians 3:20
The family structure is designed beautifully, and each member has a powerful and important
role. We must remember to place our foundation in Christ Jesus, so the spiritual foundation of
the household will not fall. Displaying love, compassion, servitude, and sacrifice, just as Jesus
Christ, our Lord and savior, displays for us.