Qualities to seek for a Godly Marriage
Last Sunday we continued in learning from 1 Peter 3:1-7, which gives wise advice to husband and wives seeking to pursue a Christ-centred marriage. The meaning of marriage has evolved amongst a secular audience from being a deeply fulfilling idea between two doting individuals, to becoming a traditional and optional agreement today. Marriage as defined by God is to be a sacred union that reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:25). What are your perspectives of marriage? Do you see marriage as a godly union, or a safe space for childrearing?
Regardless of your relationship status; single, engaged, married, the following are qualities (though not exhaustive) that one should seek in their current or future spouse.
Qualities of a Godly Man:
He puts Jesus in the centre
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to govenors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right” - 1 Peter 2: 13-14
Everything revolves around Jesus, from this actions to his reasons for decision-making. He submits to authority out of reverence for God.
He can surrender to independent thought
“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 behaviour of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives” - 1 Peter 3:1 -2
This context in 1 Peter 3 is talking about the influence of a Christian wife and a non-believing husband. In this situation, the wife is called to submit to her husband’s authority so long as submission does not compromise her relationship with God.
Qualities of a Godly Woman:
She is gentle
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewellery or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in Gods sight.” - 1 Peter 3: 3-4
To be gentle as a wife is to have a willingness to respect your husband, as opposed to be selfishly assertive. A gentle woman is willing to submit to her husband’s leadership, and headship of a household.
Her strength is in the Lord
“For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear” - 1 Peter 3:5-6
A godly woman’s strength is found in her Lord (God), not her lord (or husband or master) as seen in 1 Peter 3:6.
Both male and female, husbands and wives are equally loved and equally designed to be image-bearers of God. In a marriage, God has designed an order of authority. This is not to impose inferiority to women, as opposed to men. As form follows function, so does the role of the husband and wife have their own unique responsibilities. Paul says to the Christians in Corinth, “But I want you to realise that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of every woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” - 1 Corinthians 11:3
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your design of marriage. I pray that in all circumstances I would live to glorify you, whether in lifelong singleness or in marriage. Show me how to pursue and become a godly person. Help me to seek fulfilment in you alone, and not in another person.
In your holy name,
Amen