Husbands, love your wives
as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Ephesians
5:25
Her
clothing was filthy and her face was set in hard, angry lines. She bore little
resemblance to the beautiful, blushing bride who had rushed joyfully into the
arms of her groom such a short time ago. Now she scarcely spoke to him. Instead,
she filled her days with friends who had no use for her husband. They sat with
her now, at the smoky bar, their seductive counsel flooding her ears: “He’s no fun. You’re better off without him.
Come with us and live a little!” She stared into the mirror over the bar
and caught her breath as his image materialized through the smoke. He was
dressed immaculately as always, his trademark smile in place. But pain was in
his eyes. Shame colored her face, but he didn’t seem to notice. He knelt before
her, clasping her hands in his. “Come
home, sweetheart. I love you. I forgive you.” Only then did she notice the
nail holes.
We
are that rebellious bride and Jesus loves us like that. So when He tells
husbands to love their wives, He has already modeled it for them. His bride is
often dressed in filthy rags, with hearts set in hard, angry lines. Our loyalty
wanders and we are easily deceived by worldly companions. We are often seduced
by the world’s definitions and define love by the latest chick flick or
perverted sexual fad. But Jesus demonstrated what real love looks like. He sacrificed
His entire being in order to free us from sin. He loves His bride even when we
are unlovable and don’t love Him back. Then He asks husbands to do the same.
How have you defined love? Compare it to the love
Jesus has modeled for us.
.
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