Don’t let the title fool you, my wife does not hassle me. What hassles me are the heights of Scripture!
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
The words of the apostle Paul cause me to lie awake at night, challenged and distraught by my continual, seeming, lack of love for my wife. Again, not that I don’t love her, but the depth of my love in comparison to the love of Christ seems dull and feeble.
However, I must first and foremost find myself submitted to Christ. It is only out of a place of awe and reverence for Christ from which I will be able to love my wife the way she deserves.
After submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
This verse is often translated with the verses preceeding, but it is agreed by most that it should be translated with the verses proceeding. My earlier quote (and the verses about a wife’s submission to the husband) follows the foundational point of submitting out of awe, reverence, and worship for Christ.
To my fellow married Christian brothers, who desire to be the best for your wife, set your attention upon Christ before your wife, then allow the riches of your relationship with Him flow into your marriage. For my unmarried brothers, learn this truth and embed it deep in your life so that it may be a firm foundation for you.