Marriage is often portrayed as a blissful union of soulmates, but anyone who’s lived it knows it’s also messy, stretching, and sometimes just plain hard. In his Mother’s Day sermon, Edson Knapp brought both honesty and humor to this sacred, complicated topic. Preaching from 1 Corinthians 7 and 11—not exactly the go-to marriage passages—he explored the divine design behind marriage and the often uncomfortable roles assigned to husbands and wives. Edson reminded us that marriage is not just about finding the right person, but becoming the right person—someone who reflects Christ through servanthood, patience, and love.
While culture may twist the idea of submission into hierarchy or dominance, Scripture paints a very different picture. Edson pointed out that submission within marriage should mirror the relationship within the Trinity—different roles, but equal in value and dignity. Like Jesus submitting to the Father in the redemptive plan, our marital roles aren’t about power, but about purposeful function. Men are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church—sacrificially, fully, and without conditions. Women, likewise, are called to be strong, wise helpers—like the Spirit is our helper—not passive bystanders.
Edson didn’t shy away from practical application. Drawing from personal experience and years of observing others, he gave tangible advice: love is a choice, not a feeling; serve your spouse even when emotions are dry; protect your marriage from distractions and temptations; and keep investing in your relationship like it’s your most valuable asset—because it is. Humorously describing his wife Renda as the neck that turns the head, Edson modeled humility and admiration, honoring her strength while affirming his role as a servant-leader.
The message also touched on the redemption of broken marital ideals. He pointed to the prophet Hosea, who bought back his unfaithful wife as a symbol of God’s relentless love for us. That same redemptive love is the standard for marriage—not a transactional, “I’ll love you if you love me,” but a covenant rooted in grace. Edson emphasized that serving your spouse to get something back is shallow. True love chooses the other person even when it’s not reciprocated. That’s the kind of love that echoes Christ.
Lastly, Edson reminded us that singleness is not a consolation prize. Paul, who wrote much of Scripture’s teaching on marriage, was single himself and saw it as a gift. Whether married or single, our primary call is to intimacy with God. But for those in marriage, we must continually return to the truth: this messy, beautiful, exhausting relationship is a reflection of God’s eternal plan—a living parable of Christ’s love for His bride, the Church. So let’s be patient, faithful, and joyfully committed—because that kind of love tells the world a bigger story.
Small Group Discussion Questions:
- Edson said marriage is about “becoming the right person.” In what ways have you changed or grown through your marriage (or close relationships)?
- What’s your understanding of submission in marriage? How does the example of the Trinity help reshape your view?
- Edson shared that when he feels distant or disconnected from his wife, he chooses to serve her anyway. How can intentional acts of love shift your heart in tough seasons?
- What are some “love bank” deposits that make your spouse (or close friend) feel deeply loved? How full is your love bank right now?
- How can your marriage (or singleness) become a clearer picture of Christ’s love for the Church to those around you?
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