The Stoning of Women

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.Proverbs 31:10-12 (NIV)

I read a heart breaking story from Afghanistan. A new Muslim law has been passed to force women to have sex with their husbands every four days but only if it will not cause them harm or if they are sick. Isn't this a form of rape? This law also tells women how and when they can leave their homes alone. Isn't this what we liberated them from?

The sad part comes when a group of 300 women came together to protest the law and an even larger group of men and women came to throw stones at them for protesting.

The proverb above speaks of a husband who has confidence in his wife. Where is this confidence in the Muslim community? I am not trying to bash the Muslim community but when I hear stories like this I get upset.

As a husband, I have spent the last 12 years working hard to respect my wife and care for her. My care for her is what builds her up and strengthens her. As a Christian, I believe my role as a husband should be to love my wife as Christ loves the church.

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Colossians 3:19 (NIV)

Throwing stones at women because they want to be seen as people and not objects or slaves or property is a crime. Instead of listening to the concerns of the women, the crowd wanted to cut them off and make them subservient.

This is why I like how the Bible chooses the word submit. Here is how it is described in one commentary:

"Just as Christ served the disciples, even to the point of washing their feet, so the husband is to serve his wife. This means putting aside his own interests in order to care for his wife. A wise and Christ-honoring husband will not abuse his leadership role. At the same time, a wise and Christ-honoring wife will not try to undermine her husband’s leadership. There must be mutual love and respect. Husband and wife must accept mutual subordination in God’s hierarchy." —Life Application Concise New Testament Commentary

The whole idea of submissions is to keep a fight for leadership from ensuing in a marriage. It isn't about male domination because the Bible does not condone such attitudes, not does it mean a wive should disrespect her husband. There is to be a mutual love and respect for one another.

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)

There is to be a mutual submission. Men listen to your wives because they discern things with the heart. Wives listen to your husband because they were created to be protect. There should be a mutual respect that puts aside personal desires "for the good of the loved one."

This relationship can only be reached if both the husband and the wive are strong in faith and their Christian lifestyles.

When you pray today think about those who are in a less loving environment. If you have to make changes in your own relationship start immediately. For those who are not yet married, heed this advice, you will live long and prosper - and your marriage will last.

Enjoy your day.