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Read: Ephesians 5:25-30
Listen: Ephesians 5

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and give himself up for her. Ephesians 5:25

Paul now turns his attention to the men of the young Ephesian church. His words are as countercultural to them as his message to the women. Husbands are to love their wives in the same way Jesus loves his church. This is sacrificial love. It is a revolutionary concept for the Greco-Roman world because in their culture, marriage is often for status, not for love, and commitment is relative to a man’s power and influence. Other than providing material needs, a man is not required to do more. Paul tells the Ephesian men this isn’t what God requires. God requires men to live out his great love.

The call to sacrificial love is as revolutionary today as in Bible times. Modern culture, in all its achievements, hasn’t moved past Rome. It tells us we should determine our relationships based on what we can get from them. Gospel-shaped marriages involve men who partner with God to nourish and cherish their wives. It looks like pouring into her in such a way that she can reach her God-given potential. A husband who does this is present. He serves his wife and gives her undivided attention. He goes out of his way to see her become all that God designed her to be. The way we love in our relationships shows the watching world how much Christ loves his people.

TODAY: Ask your wife, or a significant person in your life if not married, how and when she feels loved and cared for. Then, over the coming week, commit to loving her in one tangible way each day.