Love as Christ Loved

Paul sets an extremely high standard for husbands: love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her. This isn't the easy feeling-kind of love, reserved for good days — it's a love that gives itself, that serves, that sacrifices, even when it's hard, even when it isn't returned the way you'd hope. Christ didn't love the church because she was perfect; He loved her in spite of her flaws, and gave Himself for her anyway. That's the standard for your marriage: love your wife not because she's perfect, or because the day went easily, but because you've chosen to love as Christ loves — giving, serving, laying yourself down. That changes the question you ask in your marriage. Instead of "what am I getting from this relationship," ask "how can I give myself for her today." Maybe that means patience on a hard day, a gentle word instead of a sharp reply, an act of service instead of a demand. Loving as Christ loved costs something — time, pride, comfort. But it's exactly that kind of love that builds a marriage reflecting the gospel. Today, choose to give yourself for the one you love, the way Christ gave Himself for you.