Week 8 | Wednesday
Wednesday
Written by Carla Hughes (Lithopolis Campus)
Ephesians 5:25-33
Key Verse:
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” (25)
“However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” (33)
Neal and Marvine married young, were dairy farmers, and were in retirement when I met them. They were our neighbors, and she sent me a card after the birth of our daughter. I visited them often and recognized something very unique about them – she respected him, and he loved her even after all those years of marriage. I recall seeing him at church one day and teased him about his tie matching her dress. His response: “She makes me wear these matching ties.” He said that with a smile on his face. I loved the sweetness of their marriage.
Their marriage was a snapshot of the plan Jesus has for a man and a woman in marriage. It was a revelation of daily life lived out in small and large acts of serving and selflessness to each other. This happens not from a place solely based on emotion, but from a place of consistency, grace, and choice – even on the hard days. A wife submits to the husband’s leadership, and the husband is called to lead from a place of sacrificial service. That’s a deep, sacrificial, incredible love. That’s a marriage where the two truly become as one together.
Following God’s plan for marriage does not guarantee a perfect marriage. It does guarantee that the foundation of the marriage will be strong, loving, and grace-filled to weather the hard times and the sweet times. These roles in marriage reveal God’s love for us and His church.
Reflection Questions:
- How can you love or respect your spouse more intentionally?
- Gentlemen, are you sacrificially serving your wife like Jesus has served you? Ladies, are you thankful and appreciative of your husband’s sacrificial service?
- Ask God to reveal to you areas in your marriage that need more love or respect.
Prayer Prompt:
“God, thank you for your plan for marriage. Show me how to live this out more fully in my marriage. Teach me to love like you- sacrificially, consistently, gracefully, and intentionally.”