The Bible tells us, “[A woman] is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come” (Proverbs 31:25). Without a doubt, God gives women strength, particularly in our marriages. When we become wives, we also become stewards of strength. We are responsible and accountable for how we us our strength. A Christian wife is a woman of strength. She’s undeterred by those who say something can’t be done. Her God-given passion produces clear-eyed purpose, deep compassion and a bold spirit that has the power to transform her marriage. But even a strong-willed woman runs into issues along her journey. Sometimes her determination and strong will leads to misunderstandings and breakdowns in her relationships and the only one that can help her overcome them is God. Like the Proverbs 31 woman, a good Christian wife is a woman of noble character, wisdom and strength which she uses to lift up her marriage. Here are seven important responsibilities of a Christian wife.
To Love Her Husband
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True love can keep a couple together for a lifetime if you put God at the center. Titus 2:4 calls for wives “to love their husbands.” A wife is called to accept her husband as he is – an imperfect person. Because Paul tells husbands to love their wives and wives to respect their husbands in Ephesians 5:33, there are some who think this means that a Christian wife doesn’t have to love her husband but that’s not true at all. As Christians, we are called to love our brothers and sisters in Christ which is especially true in marriage. When a man and a woman get married, they make a vow before God to stay together until death parts them. If you’re in a relationship that’s one-sided, you’re headed for trouble. God enables us to love so we should love our husbands deeply.
To Be a Woman of Noble Character
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Another responsibility of a Christian wife is to be an honorable woman of God and also a woman of character in marriage. Proverbs 31:10-31, we read about the wife of noble character. In verse 10, we learn that she is worth more than rubies. Wives are reminded of their value in Christ. We then read in verse 11 that her husband has full confidence in her. Our husbands should be able to trust us which means we have to have our heads in the place they need to be. A wife should have her family’s best interest in mind at all times. She also lives selflessly. Her husband has confidence in her because he can trust her. It’s important that wives are honest with their husbands in all matters, make decisions wisely and seek God’s guidance in all things.
To Be Clothed in Strength and Dignity
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Being a woman of strength and dignity is an important responsibility of a Christian wife. Pride and self-respect are important qualities and it’s important that this is reflected in our marriages. Proverbs 31 shares that a biblical wife is clothed in strength and dignity. Women often are responsible for juggling many tasks inside and outside of the home. They may be a homemaker, work a full time job, while also managing relationships with people outside of the family. Their plates are full but they still rely on the strength of the Lord to lift them up. Ultimately, she is wise. Her strength and wisdom flows out and impacts all who are in her care. If you demonstrate these qualities, you have solid character.
To Imitate Christ in Her Marriage
Second Corinthians 3:3 reminds us, “Your very lives are a letter that anyone can ready by just looking at you. Christ Himself wrote it – not with ink, but with God’s living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives – and we publish it.” A Christian wife imitates Christ in their daily life. She brings honor and glory to God and her marriage. Your work ethic, your integrity and your mission should all be reflections of Christ and His love. This woman of strength and purpose will live her life for God, no matter what they do or where they serve. Her highest goal is to lift up Christ, to reflect His nature and behavior. If you are a strong-willed wife, your family will imitate you.
To Care For Her Family
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A Christian wife is responsible for caring for her family. Proverbs 31 makes it clear that the home is the woman’s primary areas of influence and responsibility. Her family is well cared for and she is sure to put them first. This is not always easy, especially with shared responsibilities and work outside of the home. A lot of us are so busy managing our jobs, the house and other activities that we are involved in that we lose sight of our family in the midst of those busy days. Often, women are stressed out and stretched to the breaking point. One way to prevent stress is for husbands and wives to both reorder their priorities and follow the Bible’s instructions on their roles.
To Be a Companion to Her Husband
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A Christian wife is called to be her husband’s best friend. We often think about romance first when it comes to finding a partner, but we really should be focusing on friendship because there is a lot of good that comes from being close with your husband. When God placed the first man, Adam, in the garden of Eden, he declared, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him” (Genesis 2:18). She doesn’t have to join in every activity her husband participates in, but she should enjoy the time she spends with him. A loving couple has a lot of fun, enjoying the time they spend together. What could be better than knowing that you get to spend the rest of your life loving your best friend?
To Make Sure Christ is a Foundation
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Many Christian couples strive for God to be at the center of their marriages, but are completely confused about their roles, and how to make marriage pleasing to each other, and to God. Too many couples have followed the ways of the world in dealing with marital difficulties that they fall into marital distress. Over time, they can no longer stand. A good Christian wife turns to God’s Word for insight and tunes into God’s plan for marriage. The Bible tells us, “So they are no longer two but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matthew 19:6). In order to have a successful marriage, we must be focused on Jesus. A Christian makes sure Christ is at the head of the marriage.
A Christian wife is a woman of strength and purpose who lives a life of integrity. If you’re living your life for God, your motivations and actions will be in line with His Word. If you’re a wife and reflect these qualities, you have the foundation for a rock solid marriage. Take inventory of the strength God has given you. The Lord has clothed you with strength and you can use it for good in your marriage. Never silence your strengths. Use them to the glory of God and to also better your marriage.
