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

Deferring to another means that my heart is yielded to the Holy Spirit’s work. It means that I am willing to give up my agenda, my preferences, and my schedule for the benefit of someone else. Deference means that my needs are not always my top priority. Deferring to my spouse means that I submit myself to God and then become aware of and caring about my spouse’s needs.

It’s important to note what deference is not. Deference is never a one-way street. God doesn’t appoint some to submit and some to “lord it over” others. Deference is not relinquishing all my desires and becoming a “doormat”. God intends for us to give as well as receive. We need one another.

It’s impossible to maintain a submissive attitude in marriage apart from the Holy Spirit’s work. We can trust the Lord to bring the peace of oneness to two hearts as He forges a common bond of deference.

ACTION ASSIGNMENT
In what specific areas do you need to defer to your spouse today?

PRAYER: Father, give me the grace to yield to You and, therefore, to my spouse. In Jesus’ name, amen.