Biblical Answer

Mutual submission in marriage refers to the idea that both partners, the husband and the wife, should submit themselves to one another. This is not a one-way submission, where one partner is forced to submit to the other, but rather a voluntary act of love and humility. The idea of mutual submission is rooted in the biblical concept of submission, which is not about domination or control, but about voluntarily yielding to one another in love. This concept is seen in the way Paul writes in Ephesians 5:21, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." This verse emphasizes the importance of humility and voluntary submission in relationships, including marriage.

In a marriage characterized by mutual submission, both partners choose to submit themselves to the other, not out of a sense of obligation or duty, but out of a deep love and respect for one another. This means that both partners are willing to put the needs of the other ahead of their own, and to yield to the other in love. This is not a zero-sum game, where one partner's gain is the other's loss, but rather a win-win situation, where both partners benefit from the submission. As Andy Stanley has taught, mutual submission is a race to the back of the line, where both partners are willing to yield to the other in love.

The concept of mutual submission in marriage is not about creating a power imbalance, where one partner has control over the other, but rather about creating a relationship where both partners feel valued, respected, and loved. This is a key aspect of a healthy marriage, where both partners are able to grow and thrive together. By submitting to one another, couples can create a climate of selflessness, where they are able to support and encourage each other, and where they are able to build a strong and lasting relationship. Ultimately, mutual submission in marriage is about creating a relationship that reflects the love and humility of Christ, who came to serve and give His life for others. (Ephesians 5:21-33)