In Marriage Authority Over You Belongs to Your Spouse

“⁴For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.” — 1 Corinthians 7:4 (ESV)

I know, this verse refers to the physical part of a relationship with your spouse. At first glance I would agree. Paul however if referring in this passage (verses 1-16) to the “Principles for Marriage” (ESV). And in that there is the devotion of one spouse to the other and in that devotion, there is a thought for the other as opposed to the self.

When thinking of authority over one another, Paul is not referring to control, but that devotion and submission to each other. Where in the above verse, there is the reference to the physical, there is also the reference to giving of oneself to the other. And in verse 5 below:

“⁵Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” — 1 Corinthians 7:5 (ESV)

we find that one should not deprive one another except in times to devote yourself to God and worship of Him. And, that should only be in agreement between the two of you.

Lori and I have just realized the idea of the empty nest. We find ourselves in the throws of reconnecting as husband and wife and devoting ourselves once again to one another as opposed to splitting that time with our sons. I have to remember that now is the time that I have to provide selfless love and devotion to her and give the authority over me to her knowing that she will use that authority for the extension of our relationship with one another and our relationship with God.

As a human, I resist the idea that someone would have authority over me. I am capable of ruling and controlling my own life. But it is that devotion and care and love of another that make the giving of authority possible. And the giving of the authority to Lori is my act of love to her and the sanctity of our relationship.

What authority do you give to your spouse? Are you able to do so or are you holding on to the authority over yourself in a sheer act of selfishness? What if you would give your devotion to your spouse in the act of love and care and allowing them to have authority over you for the sake of your relationship to them and to God?