We’ve all heard people use the terms “equal” and “equality” in conversation, but unfortunately, these have become buzzwords that have lost all context in the world. A look at today’s modern relationships between men and women reveals glaring issues of inequality which have a devastating effect on gender relations. Many marriages end in divorce because wrong-thinking in this area resulted in male domination; however, this was never God’s original plan. We find the answer to the problem in His Word.

In the beginning, God made man and woman as equals, in His own image, and gave them dominion over all creation. Adam and Eve had the perfect relationship with each other and with God until sin destroyed it. As a result, the dynamics of the relationship changed for the worse. Under the Law of Moses that was subsequently established, men were to rule over women.

Over time we’ve come to believe what religion teaches us about how marriage ought to be, and most people never question it. By contrast, the truth Jesus reveals in this area completely contradicts religious teachings. Marriage according to worldly standards can feel more like bondage, but knowing the truth according to God’s Word makes us free. When worldly marriage relationships become wearisome and unbearable, God’s definition of marital equality is refreshing, pleasant, and easy to bear.

When Jesus came, He replaced the law with grace and truth and put both genders on equal footing. He erased “the great divide” and broke down the middle wall of partition between not only men and women, but between all people. He ended the war between God and man that sin caused, and became our peace.

We're now free to establish relationships based not on religious expectations, but on God’s grace. Because of what Jesus did on the cross, there is now neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor female; we’re all one in Him. Only in Christ do we find true equality.

Prayer:

God, Your original plan for mankind was equality in all areas. When sin spoiled it and brought inequality and domination, You corrected the situation by sending us Your Son to change things back. Thank you for re-establishing the balance. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scriptures:

• Genesis 1:26, 27
• Genesis 3:16
• John 8:32
• Matthew 11:28-30, TPT
• John 1:17
• Ephesians 2:14
• Galatians 3:28