Paul's own practice of restrained authority as a model (2 Corinthians 13:10)

In 2 Corinthians 13:10, Paul acknowledges having authority from the Lord but tries hard not to use it harshly -- 'for building up and not for tearing down.' This is the nature of godly authority: always under restraint, valuing the free will and voluntary submission of others rather than merely asserting one's own authority. This principle applies to marriage.