Submission

In the biblical context, submission is often understood as a voluntary act of yielding to the authority or will of another, rooted in humility and reverence for God's ordained order. The concept of submission is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of aligning oneself under God's authority and the structures He has established.

One of the most referenced passages regarding submission is found in Ephesians 5:21-24, where the Apostle Paul instructs believers: "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything" . This passage highlights the mutual submission among believers and the specific call for wives to submit to their husbands, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church.

Submission is not limited to marital relationships but extends to various aspects of life, including civic and spiritual authorities. Romans 13:1-2 states, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves" . This underscores the belief that all authority is established by God, and submission to such authority is an act of obedience to Him.

In the context of the Church, Hebrews 13:17 exhorts believers: "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. Allow them to do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you" . This passage emphasizes the responsibility of church leaders and the call for congregants to submit to their guidance.

Respect

Respect in the biblical sense is closely tied to the recognition of the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, as each person is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Respect involves honoring others, valuing their contributions, and treating them with kindness and consideration.

The Bible calls for respect in various relationships, including familial, social, and spiritual contexts. In the family, Ephesians 6:1-3 instructs children: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth'" . This commandment underscores the importance of respecting parental authority and the blessings associated with such respect.

In the broader community, 1 Peter 2:17 advises believers: "Show proper respect to everyone, love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king" . This verse encapsulates the call to respect all individuals, emphasizing love within the Christian community, reverence for God, and honor for governing authorities.

Respect is also a key component in the relationship between husbands and wives. In 1 Peter 3:7, husbands are instructed: "Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered" . This passage highlights the mutual respect and honor that should characterize the marital relationship.

Ultimately, submission and respect are intertwined principles that reflect a heart aligned with God's will, fostering harmony and unity within the various spheres of life.