Husband's Biblical Mandate: Love Your Wife as Christ Loved the Church

Husbands, Love Your Wives: A Biblical Perspective on Marriage

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be easy for husbands and wives to lose sight of the true purpose of marriage. Many couples find themselves trapped in a cycle of seeking their own pleasure, rather than finding joy in the pleasure of their spouse. But what if I told you that there is a biblical mandate for husbands and wives to seek their own joy in the joy of their spouse? In Ephesians 5:25–27, the apostle Paul provides us with a powerful exhortation: "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor."

The language used in this passage is quite striking. Husbands are called to love their wives in the same sacrificial manner that Christ loved the church. But what does this sacrificial love look like? Verse 25 tells us that Christ "gave himself up for her." In other words, he was willing to lay down his own life for the sake of his bride. But why? Why would Jesus go to such lengths for the church? The answer is found in verse 26: "that he might sanctify her." Christ's ultimate goal in giving himself up was to sanctify and cleanse his bride. But why was this important to him? Verse 27 provides the answer: "that he might present the church to himself in splendor." Jesus desired to present the church to himself in all her glory and beauty.

This passage reveals to us the deep love and desire that Christ has for his bride, the church. He did not intend to have a dirty and unholy wife. Therefore, he was willing to die in order to sanctify and cleanse his bride, so that he could present to himself a wife "in splendor." This is a beautiful picture of the joy that Jesus finds in his relationship with the church. In fact, Hebrews 12:2 tells us that it was for the joy set before him that Jesus endured the cross. What joy is this referring to? The joy of marriage to his bride, the church. Jesus gained the desire of his heart by giving himself up in suffering for the good of his bride.

So, what does this mean for husbands? Paul makes it clear in verses 28–30: "In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body." Husbands are called to love their wives as they love themselves. But this is not simply "as" you love yourself, but rather, you are loving yourself when you love your spouse. Your greatest joy is found in seeking the greatest joy of your spouse.

The implications of this biblical mandate are profound. It requires husbands to set aside their own selfish desires and prioritize the well-being and happiness of their wives. It means actively seeking to nourish and cherish your spouse, just as Christ does for the church. This sacrificial love is not easy, but it is the key to a thriving and joyful marriage.

As we reflect on this biblical perspective on marriage, let us not forget the ultimate example of sacrificial love that we have in Jesus Christ. His love for the church is the standard by which husbands are called to love their wives. May we strive to emulate his selfless love in our own marriages, finding our greatest joy in the joy of our spouse.

In conclusion, the biblical mandate for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church is a call to sacrificial love and selflessness. It is a reminder that our greatest joy is found in seeking the greatest joy of our spouse. As husbands, let us strive to emulate the love of Christ in our marriages, setting aside our own selfish desires and prioritizing the well-being and happiness of our wives. May our marriages be a reflection of the deep love and joy that Christ has for his bride, the church.