May 30 Husbands Submit

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 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. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body.
 
HUSBANDS, see how your marital relationship begins with Jesus. What are Paul’s teachings, husbands, about how you are to be “imitators of God, as beloved children.” (Ephesians 5:1)?
    First, love your wives. You might say, “I do.” but how is your love? Is your love for your wife a casual relationship you seldom consider? Do you express, “I love you.” seldom or often? Are you willing to submit to her desires in love? Remember your love is to be “as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her”. As Jesus sacrificed his life for you, sacrificially love your wife. Love her so much she and your children ae sure of your love.
    That kind of love will help her to see Jesus in you. She will delight in being with you. When a wife knows her husband truly loves her enough to pursue Jesus, to live as Jesus instructs and to submit to Jesus, she will grow more and more into you.
    Second, love your wife before all people. I am saddened when I fail to do so. I am sorry to see how men diminish their wives before their children, friends and the church. As Christ honored the church that we would be raised to Heavenly glory, honor your wife in honor that she will be praised before her family, friends and the church.
    Third, “husbands should love their wives as their own bodies.” This is obeying the second Great Commandment to love others as yourself. Love your wife to give to her what she needs and desires from you. Be a man who is willing to love his wife “just as Christ does the church.” Be a Family Shepherd. Follow Jesus, and lead your family into Jesus. This will bring restore “bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh” (Genesis 5:23) and you will be as created you to be “one flesh” (Genesis 5:24).
    A Christ-centered marriage is essential to form a Christ-centered church. The family is the core of God’s creation. It was formed before the church to display the image of God to the church and to the world.
    Be a man of God. Lead your family into Jesus.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for modeling true submission. I pray I love you Lord and I love my wife as myself. In the Spirit’s power I pray, amen.