Roles and Reversals

The roles of men and women are unique, with each being critical to the well-being of the other. Though these roles are designed to be both gratifying and fulfilling, past experiences, pain, and abuse have led to questions about their value.

As this occurs, dissatisfaction and disillusionment associated with traditional roles have contributed to the notion that these roles are arbitrary. I am not suggesting there is no merit to this line of thinking. However, I do believe reversing the roles of men and women is not the answer.

What is the answer? As always, I turn to the Word of God for guidance.

From the beginning, the roles of men and women were clearly defined. Genesis 2:18 tells us The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5 that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the Church, and wives are to submit to their husband’s leadership.

When relationships are established knowing this, men and women become co-laborers in the life God has given them.

We need to understand, whatever our roles, our first responsibility is to love God and one another. Then, fulfillment can become the fruit, and the greatest reversal will be seeing hurt turned into healing.

When we live this way, there will be no need to compete for position or reverse our roles.

Instead, our relationships will become what God intended them to be—supportive, selfless, and satisfying.

Hoping to carry out my role while supporting the roles of those I love!

John