Neither man, nor woman ?

"All of you who have been baptized for Christ have put on Christ : ... there is no longer any man or woman, for you are one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3: 27-28

Some Christians imagine that, since in Christ "there is no longer man or woman," the differences between the sexes would be abolished in the Church. But Paul shows that this is not the case. The order established by God from the beginning remains; The vocation of man and woman are not interchangeable.

To the men of the church of Corinth, Paul said : "Be ye men" (16:13), recalling that it is their duty to demonstrate the perfect compatibility of firmness and love, to the image of Christ.

As for women, their specific attitude is described several times (1 Corinthians 11: 1 Tim 2: 1 Pi 3) ; It reflects the position of the Church in relation to the Lord.

The spirit of sacrifice that normally marks the attitude of husbands (one might add : and Christian men in general) preaches to all, Christians and non-Christians, how the Lord loved his Church, Is delivered to save it.

The spirit of submission that normally marks the attitude of wives (one might say: Christians) preaches to all how the Church (men and women!) Responds to this love of the Lord by a peaceful and trusting submission.

In both cases there is a gift of self, in faith.

It is certainly desirable for women to find a spouse ; But women should never be regarded as minor beings (Prov. 31). They are no less than the men of the members of the body of Christ; God can reveal his thoughts by the mouth or gestures of a woman as well as by those of a man. In the couple as in the Church, man and woman are helping each other. By the way, who is the stronger: whoever helps or who is helped ?

Let us have discernment to understand the measure of equality and the measure of difference between the sisters and the brothers ; This will allow us to develop relationships and collaborations that are more just, more effective and more fulfilling. And this in the church as well as in the house.

Source (To pleasing the Lord)