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 six roles of a wife according to the Bible.
She Loves Her Husband
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.
She’s a Woman of Noble Character
In 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.
She is Clothed in Strength and Dignity
Proverbs 31 also 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.
She Imitates Christ
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.
She Cares 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. This is not always easy, especially with shared responsibilities and work outside of the home. 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.
She is a Companion
A Christian wife is called to be her husband’s best friend. 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.
A Christian wife is a woman of strength and purpose who lives a life of integrity. If you’re living all out 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.
