A SPEECH DELIVERED AT THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH, JOS DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS, FCT FIELD ABUJA ON SUNDAY, 25TH MAY, 2025 AT THE COMBINED/ COMMUNION SERVICE BY DEAC. BRYNE S. E. EKARA ON THE TOPIC: WHAT MAKES A WOMAN A GOOD WIFE.
WHAT MAKES A WOMAN A GOOD WIFE
Abstract:
“Perhaps more than at any other time in history, women today need a clear understanding of how they should relate to their husbands”. – Barbara Rainey.
One may ask why? The simple answer is that the world is now going crazy!
However, those who know the truth of Christ and His Word, this is the most exciting time in history. Our Lord is coming soon and this is our moment to confront darkness with Light!
Many women believe that setting up a home with biblical roles/ responsibilities promotes male dominance. That notion is a fallacy.
It is important for us at this juncture to look clearly at what the Bible says on this subject.
There are two 2 kinds of wife, a good wife and a bad wife. Here, we are going to concentrate on a good wife.
A good wife, according to the Bible, is a woman who embodies both inner and outer virtues, characterized by love, respect, trustworthiness, and a life dedicated to her husband and family.
She finds joy in her husband, provides support, and reflects God’s grace in her interactions.
Generally, there are some Biblical characters who lived virtuous life as women worthy of emulation, viz: Sarah, Miriam, Abigail, Hannah, Deborah, Rahab, Rachel, Esther, Ruth, Elizabeth, Mary (Mother of Jesus), Mary Magdalene, etc.
Biblical Qualities of a Good Wife:
- Love and Respect:
Ephesians 5:33 highlights the wife’s responsibility to respect her husband, while husbands are instructed to love their wives. This respect is a vital aspect of a healthy marital relationship.
When you respect your husband, you notice him, regard him, honor him, prefer him, and esteem him. It means valuing his opinion, admiring his wisdom and character, appreciating his commitment to you, and considering his needs and values.
According to Titus 2:4- for a wife to love her husband, a good description of the kind of love your husband needs is “unconditional acceptance”. In other words, accept your husband just as he is – an imperfect person.
Don’t allow your husband to feel any form of rejection from you as a wife.
- Trustworthiness:
Proverbs 31:11-12 emphasizes the husband’s trust in his wife and her faithfulness in all that she does. This trust is not just between the wife and the husband, but to everyone around them.
- Submission:
Ephesians 5:22-24 instructs wives to submit to their husbands in everything, recognizing their role as a “helpmeet” and a partner in God’s design for marriage.
Submit to the leadership of your husband- (Eph. 5:22-30)
Some women submit to their husbands irrespective of their positions in the society, example Professors, Doctors, Judges, other professionals.
- Inner Beauty:
1 Timothy 3:11 describes women as “temperate and trustworthy,” highlighting the importance of inner character and integrity.
- Kindness and Humility:
Titus 2:4 encourages wives to be “busy at home” and “kind” while Titus 2:5 speaks of being “self-controlled and pure”.
- Diligent and Hardworking:
Proverbs 31 paints a picture of a wife who is hard-working and diligent in her duties.
- Fear of the Lord:
Proverbs 31:30 praises a wife who fears the Lord, emphasizing the importance of a strong faith and devotion to God.
- Loyalty:
Proverbs 31:11 highlights the wife’s loyalty to her husband and their family.
- Encouragement and Support:
A good wife encourages her husband and family, providing support and a safe haven.
Examples in Scripture:
+ Proverbs 31: This chapter offers a detailed portrait of a virtuous woman, showcasing her many admirable qualities.
+ Genesis 2:18-24: This passage describes the creation of the first wife as a “helper” to her husband, establishing the complementary nature of their roles.
Be a helper to your husband- while all of us are called to be helpers to others, the Bible places a special emphasis on this responsibility for wives- particularly in Gen. 2:18.
+ Ephesians 5: This chapter provides guidelines for marital relationships, emphasizing love, respect, and submission within the context of Christian marriage.
Conclusion/ Key Takeaway:
A good wife, according to the Bible, is one who embodies a combination of inner virtues, a commitment to her husband and family, and a strong faith in God.
Her life is a reflection of God’s grace and a testament to the beauty of a biblical marriage. It only takes the grace of God, which God has already made it available for a woman to be a good wife to the husband and maintain a good marital relationship to the end because marriage is the only institution of learning (university) without graduation, also a sealed contract (…till death do us part).
….. An excellent wife is the crown of her husband!