Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:19
After giving the commands that wives should subject themselves to the authority of their husband’s position, Paul quickly follows it by the complementary command: "Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them" (Col 3:19). It is the same pattern which is found in Ephesians 5:25,33 and 1 Peter 3:7. In the Ephesians passage a comparison is made between husbands and the sacrificial love of Jesus.
"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Eph 5:25).
There could not be a stronger foundation for the command given here than to say that husbands should imitate the example of Christ. Whenever authority is granted, there is always the danger of that authority being misused. Therefore the reminder in Colossians 3:19 is that husbands must not be harsh with their wives.
Christ’s love was sacrificial as He left His own infinite glory to lay down His life for the church. His love was unconditional. The church deserved nothing, except hell. Jesus’ love for His people is not dependent upon their merit.
And if another comparison is needed, Paul says in Ephesians 5:28,29, that husbands should love their wives the way they love their own body … nourishing and cherishing every day and in every conceivable way.
Headship is not domination. Biblical headship is the humble leadership of service for the benefit of a wife and family. The accountability before God is a sober one, but the results of Godly family leadership are eternal.
