The sin of abuse has its roots in the gratification of selfish desires. It is, obviously, sinning in anger. What is not so obvious is that fear is also a primary motivation for abuse. A man who abuses his wife is essentially very fearful of her. He fears that if he does not exercise rigid control over her, she will have too much control and power over him in the relationship.
Abuse is all about power and control and who is holding the reins.
A Biblical marriage relationship is to be one of mutual submission, each partner serving the other and viewing the other as greater than himself or herself. The primary relationship in a Christian's life is the one between himself and his God. I am first a daughter of God, and my husband a son of God. Therefore, our first relationship to each other is as a sister and brother in Christ. Therefore, the verses that apply to how we are to relate to other members of the Body most assuredly apply to the marital relationship.