Dr. John Mining Calls for a Return to Biblical Foundations in Marriage

 

In a powerful new message titled “Mutual Respect in Marriage: A Biblical Perspective,” renowned Christian author and marriage counselor Dr. John Mining is urging couples to embrace God’s original design for marriage—a partnership rooted in mutual respect, sacrificial love, and spiritual unity.

Speaking at a packed marriage seminar over the weekend, Dr. Mining emphasized that true marital success is not built on cultural norms or power dynamics, but on scriptural principles that reflect Christ’s love for the Church.

“Marriage is a sacred covenant, not a competition,” said Dr. Mining. “When we respect one another as God intended—husband and wife walking side by side—we mirror the love, unity, and faithfulness of Christ.”

A Return to God’s Design

Drawing from Genesis 2:18, Dr. Mining challenged the common misinterpretation of a wife as a lesser partner. He clarified that the Hebrew word “ezer”—used to describe Eve as Adam’s helper—is the same word used for God as our Helper in Psalms.

“That alone tells us that help does not equal inferiority,” he explained. “God designed marriage as a partnership, not a power struggle.”

Mutual Submission: A Radical Yet Biblical Model

Dr. Mining placed strong emphasis on Ephesians 5:21—“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ”—saying it is often overlooked in conversations about marriage roles.

“Before Paul ever tells wives to submit or husbands to lead, he tells both to submit. That’s the foundation,” he stated. “This mutual submission is about humility, service, and shared purpose.”

Husbands and Wives: Roles Reframed

Quoting Ephesians 5:25, Dr. Mining reminded men that biblical leadership requires sacrificial love, not dominance.

“Jesus died for the Church. That’s the model husbands are called to follow—laying down pride and ego to lift their wives up,” he said.

Likewise, wives were encouraged to embrace their role as strong, dignified partners, echoing the qualities of the Proverbs 31 woman—wise, respected, and influential.

“Respect in marriage doesn’t mean silence or weakness,” said Dr. Mining. “It means honoring your spouse, even when you disagree, and standing together in strength and dignity.”

The Blessings of Mutual Respect

According to Dr. Mining, when mutual respect is prioritized, marriages flourish. Communication improves, trust deepens, and couples face conflict with humility instead of hostility.

“Respect doesn’t mean you always agree—it means you always honor,” he said. “It means choosing grace over resentment, and unity over pride.”

A Call to Action

In his closing remarks, Dr. Mining issued a heartfelt challenge to couples:

“Whether you’re just starting your journey or decades into it, build your marriage on God’s Word. Pray together. Forgive quickly. Speak kindly. Choose love every single day.”

Quoting 1 Corinthians 13, he reminded listeners that love is the cornerstone of every godly union:

“Love is patient, love is kind... It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”