Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it; that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without defect. Ephesians 5:25-27 WEB
Chapter five in Paul’s letter to the Ehpesians has two main themes. First, Paul instructs the faithful to live in obedience to God, walking in love by example of Jesus Christ. Second, the great apostle gives instruction for Christian households. In the scripture referenced here, Paul teaches the godly relationship of a man to a woman in marriage. Beginning with a focus on imitating God through the emulation of his Son and our Savior Jesus Christ, Paul expands his focus, teaching men to love their wives as Christ loved the assembly or the church.
In marriage, Paul teaches men to love their wives with the pure, sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. This means devoting ourselves completely. Love means protecting, caring, and providing. Love means defending her even to the point of death. Those who love like Christ are willing to serve, sacrifice, and die for the ones they love.
Love Never Fails
In marital love, we forsake all others. Just as we forsake all other gods, idols, and material distractions to honor, love, and serve God, we give ourselves to one and only one mate. Marriage is like the relationship between Christ and the church. In God sanctioned unity, a man and woman maintain sexual purity through faithful devotion to one another. Jesus teaches this in Matthew 19:9, “I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery. WEB”
But apart from sacrifice and providence, what is godly love? Paul. who instructed all godly men to “love your wives,” gives a good understanding in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 writing, “Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud, doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the example of Christ. Thank you for demonstrating your love to the world. Guide me to love as you love. Help me to live in a way that is pleasing to you. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: He Will Testify
