Christian Foundations

DEVOTIONAL ARCHIVE

July 21, 2008

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

--Ephesians 5:25

Do you know what the primary responsibility of a man in marriage is? According to God’s plan, it’s to love his wife.

Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? Not really!

Our Scripture today says, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” As men, our example of how to love our wives is the Lord Jesus Christ.

And what exactly does that kind of love look like?

First, it initiates. According to 1 John 4:19, Jesus “first loved us.” If we take the first step in initiating an atmosphere of love at home, our wives will respond.

Second, it sacrifices. In the Scripture, we are commanded to love sacrificially just as Christ did when He laid down His life for us. Genuine sacrifice like this in a marriage fuels loyalty, godly submission, and acceptance.

And third, a Christ-like love is humble. It leads with humility. Remember, if you have to tell your wife that you’re in charge… you’re not in charge. Real authority comes from humility.

Christ’s example of love is the biblical blueprint for success in marriage. So, how does a man love a woman? In the footsteps of Christ!

Men, it’s a hard assignment. And we cannot do it alone. We need the Spirit of the living Christ to supernaturally make us more like Him as we assume the responsibility He has ordained for us as husbands.

A marriage of lifelong, satisfying love begins with you!

ASK GOD TODAY TO FILL YOUR SPIRIT AND HEART WITH THE LOVE THAT COMES FROM SACRIFICE, HUMILITY, AND UNDERSTANDING.

Most Recent User Comments

TerryKay2

7/21/2008 11:02 AM

Thank you so much for clarifying the "submission" issue in such a simple, yet complete, way. The key to a woman's submission in the man's willingness to conform himself to the likeness of Christ. Of course, the Bible says that we as women need to respect and submit to our husbands, whether or not they are humble, loving, kind, etc. That is honoring to God. But, boy, does it make it easier (and more joyful, guys) when a man models his behavior after that of our Lord. I would have done anything for my husband who totally accepted me, went out of his way to do things for me, listened to me, took note of things that were important to me and did them, told me daily how important I was to him and how much he loved me. Did he force me to change or do things his way? No! But I chose to change, to be more respectful of his wishes, to do everything in my power to please him and let him know how much I appreciated the gift he was from the Lord. He is with Jesus, but I have the memory.

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