Devotionals by Raul Ries

WEDNESDAY September 23, 2026

Are You a Submissive Wife?

For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.
1 Peter 3:5-6

How did godly women in the Bible act? They trusted God, dressed modestly, and were submissive to their husbands. Sarah, Abraham’s wife, is such a good example to follow. She obeyed her husband, and by calling him lord, showed him the respect he deserved. Sarah recognized his authority as the leader and decision-maker of the home.

You see, Peter gave an example from the Old Testament and brought the concept of respect and godliness of the wife into the New Testament. In fact, there are many godly women in the whole Bible to learn from. Peter pointed to Sarah because she was a model wife––a spouse who loved her husband and desired to please God. She was not perfect and, at times, gave her opinion and advice too freely, when she should have waited on the Lord. Which, in turn, led Abraham not to make the best of decisions.

These days, wives do not to go around calling their husbands Lord, but you may enjoy this story that shows respectful, spiritual leadership in the life of Billy Graham and the submissive, quiet spirit of Ruth Graham:

“Gently, tactfully, persistently, I tried to suggest and then to persuade Bill that perhaps he, too, should go to Tibet to be a missionary. It was obvious that I was doing the calling, not God. Weeks passed. Finally Bill turned to me. ‘Do you believe that God brought us together?’ I did. Unquestionably. “‘In that case,’ Bill said firmly. ‘God will lead me and you will do the following.’ I have been following ever since.”

What a good example of two people submitted to God in a marriage relationship! Does your marriage reflect the qualities of respect, leadership and submissiveness? With the Lord’s help, ask Him to help you change any areas that you need to work on the most.

I submit to my husband because the Scriptures command me to. I do it out of obedience to Christ.
~Elizabeth Elliot~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!