Many of us have grown up automatically believing what the world tells us about gender roles. We have come to accept a worldview that tells us that men and women are unequal. This is wrong-believing, and studying the Scriptures reveals without question that God’s original plan for both women and men was an equal partnership. For anyone confused about this, the word of God perfectly outlines his plan.

When Adam and Eve were created, they were equals. God blessed them equally and took delight in a close relationship with both of them. He put them in charge of all creation and told them to rule over it; he never intended for them to rule over each other.

Sin ruined the perfect relationship between Adam, Eve, and God. It resulted in man dominating woman, but Jesus came to restore their equality. He demonstrated that God’s love and grace was just as much for women as for men. From the time that sin entered the garden of Eden until Jesus’ arrival on earth, there was war between the genders, but Jesus ended that war and bridged the gap.

We can’t always tell what’s right by what we see. When we look at relationships between men and women, we notice that many of them were formed according to worldly standards instead of God’s standards. Worldly relationships can hurt others and put them in bondage, but relationships formed according to the truth of the gospel will nourish and empower. During his earthly ministry, Jesus reached out to women as well as men. What he did to level the playing field and erase gender inequalities frees us all to reach the potential God has in mind for us.

Prayer:

Lord, out of love for us, you created men and women in your image and put them both in charge of your creation. When the enemy tried to destroy your beautiful plan of gender equality, you found a way to restore the balance through your Son. Because of what he did, we are all reconciled to you, and a perfect relationship with you is restored. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scriptures:

Genesis 1:26-28

Genesis 5:1, 2

Psalm 8:3-8

Galatians 3:26-29

Ephesians 2:13-19, NKJV

John 17:17, NLT

John 4:4-30

John 8:1-11