A Husband's Love

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (Ephesians 5:25-33 ESV).

As we have already seen in the past few devotionals, it is easy to talk about love. In fact there are many ways to use the word in our daily conversation. We use “love” as romantic love, erotic love, or friendship love. We use “love” in reference to our feelings about people, places, and things. Today I want us to look at the word as it is used in the biblical description of family. It calls husbands to choose to love their wives – no matter what. I know this seems like I am writing only to the men of our audience; however, there is much truth for the women here as well. These principles apply to all of us. So, what does it mean to choose to love? This kind of love is a commitment to love, no matter the response. It’s always easy to love someone who loves us back. When someone shows us kindness, offers words of encouragement and affirmation, they are easier to love. But, to love someone in the midst of conflict, in disappointment, even when it hurts, well, that is true love; and, it is difficult love. In the biblical description of family, the husband is called to be committed to his wife. To be respectful in every situation; to love and to forgive, no matter the offense; and, to be singularly focused on a complete love for your spouse is radically counter cultural. However, just as the Scripture applied to the first century, it applies to our time and our culture today. It is timeless. The major responsibility for a marriage working lies with the husband. We’re called to love our wives as Christ loved the church. Christ died for the church. This is a tall order because as sinful, imperfect beings, it is an overwhelming challenge to love our wives as Christ does His church. We should each ask God to help us to choose love, even when it hurts. Start today. Just as Christ faithfully loves us day in and day out without condition, ask Him to help you begin to love your spouse with His love.