Opening Verse
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” – Ephesians 5:25 (KJV)
Introduction
Marriage is a sacred bond created by God, meant to reflect His love and unity. Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loves the church. This isn’t a casual love; it’s a sacrificial, selfless love that builds a foundation of respect, trust, and godly communication.
Devotional Story
A man once came to his pastor, frustrated with the challenges he faced in his marriage. He didn’t feel respected, and he was at a loss for how to communicate effectively with his wife. The pastor listened, then pointed to Ephesians 5:25, reminding him that love in marriage isn’t about demanding respect or trying to “win” an argument. It’s about loving as Christ loves—patiently, kindly, and without condition.
The man thought of Jesus’ sacrificial love, how He laid down His life for the church. Jesus didn’t wait for the church to be perfect before giving His love; He loved first. Convicted, the man decided to approach his marriage differently. He began to pray for his wife daily, asking God to help him be a better husband. He made small efforts to show appreciation, to listen without interrupting, and to seek peace in their conversations. Over time, he noticed a change—not only in his wife but in himself. His sacrificial love and respect had softened her heart, and they began to communicate more openly and lovingly, building each other up in faith.
What This Means
God’s design for marriage calls husbands to a standard of love that mirrors Jesus’ love for the church. When a husband loves his wife this way, putting her needs before his own, he honors God and creates a safe space for open, honest communication. This type of love seeks to understand rather than to be understood. It lifts up instead of tearing down, and it reflects Christ’s love in a way that can transform a marriage.
Think About This
Are you showing sacrificial love in your marriage? Are you quick to listen and slow to anger, as Christ would be with His church? Consider how small acts of love and respect can nurture your marriage and draw you closer together in faith.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the gift of marriage. Teach me to love my spouse as You love Your church, with patience, humility, and a sacrificial heart. Help me to be an example of Your love in our marriage, always seeking to communicate with respect and understanding. Guide our words and actions, that we may grow closer to You and each other. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Closing Verse
“So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.” – Ephesians 5:28 (KJV)