Biblical Answer

Mutual submission in marriage means that both partners choose to submit themselves to each other. This is a two-way avenue, and it requires humility, which is a core virtue for believers. Submission is not about being forced to submit, but rather about voluntarily yielding in love. It is an important framing because it means that the marriage is to mirror relationships in the church and that the humility involved in submission is to apply to both partners in the relationship.

The concept of mutual submission is not about everyone being subject to everyone, but rather about each partner submitting to the other in a way that is loving and respectful. This is seen in the way that children are called to honour both parents in the union, and in the way that believers are called to submit to one another. The mutuality of submission drives relationships in a community where all follow the example of Christ, who served from on high. This means that the submission-love that the wife is being asked to submit to is not a command, but rather a response to a loving and caring attitude.

The idea of mutual submission in marriage is closely tied to the idea of servant roles. Both the headship role of a husband and the submission role of a wife are servant roles, and one can always begin to serve without waiting for permission. This means that the husband and wife can work together to create a mutually supportive and loving relationship, where both partners feel valued and respected. This is in line with the biblical idea that marriage is a union between two people who are committed to each other and to following God together.