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

This weekend, I have the honor of officiating the wedding of a CBMC friend and his new bride.  It has been exciting watching God rebuild this man’s life, and on Saturday, we will celebrate the gift of his new wife.  My wife says that when I officiate weddings, I come back a better husband.  This is no doubt because I have reflected on the challenge Paul gives us as husbands in Ephesians 5.  We all know about the sacrifice that Jesus made for the church: the cross He endured on our behalf.  He lived a life of sacrifice for you and me.  In the same way, God commands us to love our wives in a sacrificial way, to look to her needs and desires ahead of our own!  What a challenge!  I know from experience that when I do this well, my wife often responds generously, and our marriage grows stronger!

How about you?  When is the last time you overtly served your wife?  When have you last surprised her with a sacrifice of your time, energy, or attention?  How can you serve your wife in a Christlike way today?

Take a few moments to read and reflect on Ephesians 5:21-32.  Look at how a marriage can grow when a husband and wife truly serve each other ahead of themselves.  A great reminder for us today and forever.