Daily Devotional: Biblical Headship

By David A. Case

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” (Ephesians 5:25, NKJV)

Many Christians have read a Gentile view of authority into the husband-wife relationship. Because Ephesians says the husband is the head of the wife, some have concluded that the husband is designed to function almost like a sovereign lord over her. In that view, headship becomes dominance, and submission becomes a quiet surrender to whatever the husband wants.

But what does it mean that the husband is head of the wife as Christ is head of the church? We cannot answer that question apart from Jesus. Jesus said those who have authority in His kingdom must serve. He did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life. That means biblical headship cannot mean selfish rule. It means greater responsibility to lay down one’s life.

Ephesians 5 says Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her, to make her holy and present her without spot or wrinkle. That is the picture. The husband is called to love his wife in a way that helps her become all God created her to be. His number one job is not merely to provide material things. It is to be the best influence on her that he can be, so that when she stands before Christ, she is pure, holy, and worthy of reward.

That is a weighty calling. It is not permission to belittle. It is not permission to control. It is not permission to minimize her calling, gifts, perspective, or growth. If the husband and wife are one, then anything that harms or belittles her harms and belittles him. He who loves his wife loves himself.

Gentile authority does not understand oneness. It believes in taking. It uses a strength position for selfish gain. Biblical authority understands that strength exists for service. If the husband has headship, he has a greater responsibility to make sure his wife has space to bloom and grow.

A godly husband is not jealous of his wife’s strength. He is not threatened by her gifts. He is not trying to keep her small so he can feel large. He is called to wash, cover, encourage, and release. He is called to use his influence to help her become radiant before God.

This principle extends beyond marriage. Any authority figure should ask, “Are the people under my influence becoming more of who God created them to be, or are they shrinking under my authority?” True authority produces growth. It does not demand smallness from others.

Without integrity, there can be no real trust. Authority without trust becomes pressure. Authority with Christlike love becomes a place where life can grow.

Reflection Question

Does my influence cause others to grow stronger, or does it make them feel smaller?

Prayer

Father, teach me to understand headship and authority through Jesus. Forgive me for any place where I have used influence selfishly or resisted healthy influence because of fear. Help me love in a way that releases others into purity, strength, and purpose. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Obedience Step for Today

Encourage one person close to you in a specific area of their gifting or calling. Speak life over who God is forming them to become.

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This devotional was inspired by the book Heart Change Handbook by David A. Case. If you found it helpful, please consider it for your own self-study and suggest it to your church small group or recovery community as a basis for small group study.

Heart Change Handbook

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If this message has encouraged you to pursue deeper transformation, I invite you to continue the journey through The Heart Change Handbook. It provides a practical, biblical path for spiritual growth and is an excellent resource for church small groups and recovery communities. Consider getting your copy today and introducing it to your group as a guide toward meaningful heart change.

👉 Learn more about Small Group Resources from Heart Change U.