Prior to commanding wives to submit to their husbands the Holy Book taught that spouses are to submit to one another in the fear of God.
This is the testimony of Apostle Johnson Suleman, servant of God and senior pastor at the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide.
“When you see me talk about my wife constantly, it is not always her birthday. I am only appreciating her,” stated Apostle Suleman, while answering questions on why he regularly celebrates his wife, Reverend (Mrs.) Lizzy Suleman. “Live with your wife in an understanding way. It isn’t what you get out of marriage that matters but what you put into it. That is what brings glory to God,” the famous cleric adds.
Suleman warns men in his regular preaching to not be ungrateful to their ‘better halves’ because “showing gratitude to your wives can transform low moments into sudden Thanksgivings, joy, and change ordinary opportunities into uncommon blessings.”
Prodded to speak more on the bond of his marriage, the ‘Oracle of God’ admitted that, just like a wife is expected to appreciate her husband for his regular support, he also frequently shows gratitude to his wife and, according to him, it is almost an important daily practice because “it is essential to nurturing a healthy marriage.”
As a busy man who is always on road trips for evangelization, how does he have time for the home, particularly pampering his wife to luxury? Apostle Suleman said one of the things he never misses is saying ‘I Love You’ to his wife, wherever he may be at any particular time.
“It is true; I’m a very busy man. But I make it a ritual to send my love to her and this is the simplest duty for a man to keep his marriage. Of course, it can be easy for a man to underrate saying ‘I love you’ to his wife because of his everyday jobs outside the home, but such a husband would soon find out that that simple task can transform his marriage in a most amazing way.”
According to Suleman, by God’s design, a wife is to be the special object of her husband’s love and care. She is under his authority and protection, adding that he appreciates his wife at will both for her intellectual and spiritual support for him, their home and the Mission as God’s servant.
“In making man stronger, God designs a wonderful partnership. Thus when the Bible says to men that “give her respect as a ‘fellow heir of the grace of life, we are being commanded to respect and love our wives as equal partners in the marriage,” Suleman postulates.
Adding her voice, Reverend Lizzy Suleman said she had always prayed for the sharing of the grace with her husband, both in the home and ministry. “Personally, I feel there is no higher calling, no greater task than giving him support both at home and working with him towards helping to win souls for God. And my understanding is that of a woman who is liberated to fulfill the potentials of being a servant of God alongside my husband. I am enjoying my marriage today to the glory of God because I allowed the Holy Spirit to lead me.”
