Marriage: A Picture of the Gospel
Marriage is more than a personal relationship between two people—it is a reflection of the gospel. It is meant to display Christ’s love for His church, shaping how husbands and wives love, serve, and honor one another. In a world where marriage is often viewed as a path to personal fulfillment, 1 Peter 3 reminds us that marriage is not just about us—it is about proclaiming Christ.
Marriage as a Reflection of Christ
Peter begins with an often-misunderstood word: submission. Our culture recoils at the idea, but biblical submission is not about blind obedience or inferiority. Instead, it reflects Jesus Himself, who willingly submitted to the Father’s will for the sake of our salvation.
For wives, submission means voluntarily honoring and respecting their husbands, trusting in God’s design. This is not passive or weak—it is strength under control, a reflection of Christ’s own humility. It is a way of influencing the home through godliness rather than manipulation.
For husbands, Peter issues an equally radical call: understanding and honor. Husbands are to love their wives sacrificially, using their strength to protect, cherish, and serve. They are not to dominate but to lead with Christlike love. Peter even warns that a husband’s prayers will be hindered if he does not honor his wife (1 Peter 3:7). That is how seriously God takes the way men treat their wives.
The Heart of a Godly Marriage
Beyond roles, Peter calls both husbands and wives to cultivate godly character. He reminds wives that true beauty is not found in outward appearance but in a heart transformed by Christ (1 Peter 3:3-4). He urges husbands to see their wives as co-heirs of grace, equal partners in the kingdom of God.
A marriage built on Christ is not about power struggles, but about mutual love and sacrifice. It is a daily opportunity to live out the gospel—to forgive, to serve, and to reflect the love of Jesus to the world.
How is Your Marriage Reflecting Christ?
• Wives, are you trusting in God’s design and honoring your husband with your words and actions?
• Husbands, are you using your strength to cherish, protect, and serve your wife?
• Are both of you seeking to reflect Christ’s humility, love, and sacrifice?
Marriage is not easy, but when built on Christ, it becomes a powerful testimony to His grace. Whether your marriage is thriving or struggling, the gospel offers hope. Confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation are possible because of what Christ has done for us.
Let’s build marriages that point to Jesus, trusting that His design is good, His grace is enough, and His love is the foundation that will never fail.