Devotion 5: Husbands Love

Elijah Edwards 

"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." Ephesians 5:25-27 

Before we get into the passage today, I have a question. How did Jesus love the church? In other words, how did Jesus show His love to the church? Spend a moment thinking of ways that Jesus loved the church and how He showed that love. 

We read in Ephesians 5:25, "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." What is the first thing that is commanded for husbands in this verse? How did Christ love the church? He "gave himself up for her." Jesus gave up His life for the church so that we can have eternal life through Him if we confess and believe. In this verse, Paul states that husbands are to love their wives in this same way. This sacrificial love is where Jesus laid down His life for us. 

"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 bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his 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." Ephesians 5:26-33 

After reading this, what does a husband's love look like? This love is so important for a family's foundation because through God's command for husbands, a love that is sacrificial, humble, and committed grounds the family to grow and be more like Jesus. Husbands love their wives as Christ laid His life down. 

Husbands, what are some ways you can show this love to your wife today? Spend time thinking of ways you can show love to her today and then go do it! 

Wives, what are ways that your husband shows you this love? Write these things down and talk with him about them. 

Parents, combine the two challenges and make time for your children to openly see this love occur. 

Kids, how have you seen Dad love Mom like Jesus loves us? Take time to write it down and tell your parents how you see it each day.