The people we live with and see daily (our family, our coworkers, etc.) see the most raw and real version of us, and it’s not always pretty. Thankfully, Paul offers us wisdom for navigating these closest, and often hardest, relationships in a way that imitates Jesus. In today’s reading from Ephesians, Paul appeals to our relationship with Jesus as the reason we should put aside our ways for the sake of others:
“And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21
The verses that follow talk about wives and husbands submitting to one another with self-sacrificial love, but this concept of submission can (and should) be applied to many relationships. Submission involves setting aside our agenda, will and need to be right. Who do you need to submit yourself to today? How can you approach your closest relationships in a way that honors Jesus?