Paul Writes to the Husbands - Colossians 3:19

After sharing with the Colossian church members concerning having “charity”, “peace” and “the word of Christ” within them, Paul the apostle began to address smaller groups of them specifically beginning with the wives. He instructed the wives to “submit unto your own husbands as it is fit in the Lord”, and in chapter three and verse nineteen of his letter Paul wrote to the husbands. We read:

Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

The verse begins, “Husbands, love your wives,” Let us notice to whom this verse is addressed, “Husbands”. Paul's attention is toward those within the church who are married men. His instruction to them is “love your wives”, and he employed the Greek word “agapao” which means “be contented with, well pleased, fond of and unconditionally committed to” their wives. The standard set by Paul is high as it in essence means “without any reservation or lack of commitment”.

The verse goes on to say, “and be not bitter against them.” Paul goes on to add “be not bitter” or “exasperated, angry, indignant, grieved or irritated: “against them”. As though there was some indication that husbands were exasperated with their wives, Paul addresses the bitterness that may be within the homes.

As we think about the instruction towards the “husbands”, we may wonder why God would give such an directive through Paul to them. The answer is simple. God understands women. He knows that a wife needs to feel loved and secure above everything else. She is in constant need of this assurance, and without love from her husband, she feels insecure and out of sorts. God knows that men have a need to be in control, and women have a need to feel secure. When these two work together, the couple will flow in harmony, however, if either or both of these are missing, there is usually contention and strife. God knows the most about marriage, and through Paul's instructions to the Colossians (and further instruction in the book of Ephesians chapter 5) we see the alignment of marriage which He deems correct and righteous way. May the Lord give us understanding in this area.

Next time Paul addresses children, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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